for immediate release
July 13, 2004

N E W S   R E L E A S E

The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office is investigating the apparent drowning death of a man while swimming near the Destin Bridge this afternoon (Tuesday afternoon).

Lopez Magdaleno, age 20 (6-22-1984), a Mexican national residing in the Ponce de Leon area east of DeFuniak Springs, was pulled from the water by passers-by who were attracted by commotion at the scene, at approximately 3:30 in the afternoon.

Magdaleno, his cousin, and five friends had been swimming near the west end of the Destin Bridge after inclement weather prompted cancellation of their day's work at a construction site in Navarre.

Magdaleno was recovered from the bottom in an area where shallow water may appear to be deep, due to the dark coloration of a patch of sea grass. Witnesses reported he dived from a standing position head-first into the water.

On-scene CPR was administered by Okaloosa County Sheriff's Deputy Steve Hough and Corporal Bridget Brock, and a Florida Highway Patrol Trooper until the arrival of Okaloosa County Emergency Medical Services. Magdaleno was transported to Fort Walton Beach Medical Center, and subsequently pronounced dead.

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for more information contact Sgt. Rick Hord, Public Information Officer

(850) 651-7420

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