Lake Tyler death may lead to criminal charges

TYLER — Texas Game Wardens continue to investigate an accident on Lake Tyler East after a 19-year-old man fell off the boat and was found by divers Monday morning. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and our news partner KETK, game wardens are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the incident on the six-passenger boat that lead to the death of Eli Swinney on Sunday.

“The investigation could lead to possible criminal charges, but none have been filed at this time,” the department said. “One passenger was taken into custody that evening on unrelated charges.”

“As Texas Game Wardens, our mission is to help ensure Texans can enjoy the water safely and return home at the end of the day,” the department said. “While we actively patrol and enforce boating safety laws, we rely on boaters to practice safe boating when enjoying Texas’ waterways.”

Game wardens remind the East Texas community how important it is to stay safe this boating summer season, so accidents can be prevented.

“This incident is an unfortunate reminder of how quickly things can go wrong,” officials said. “As we enter the summer boating season, game wardens encourage everyone on the water to look out for one another, wear life jackets and avoid dangerous behaviors that can lead to preventable tragedies.”