COLCHESTER — A multi-agency search for a missing swimmer ended tragically on July 5 as the body of 37-year-old Cory Lavallee was recovered from the waters near Colchester.
The Colchester Police Department received a distress call at approximately 9:46 a.m. on July 4 after Lavallee, a local resident, disappeared underwater.
He had entered the water to help one of his children who was in distress and managed to get her back to their inflatable boat but failed to resurface himself.
Nearby sailors rescued the children and alerted authorities, prompting an extensive search and rescue operation.
Teams from the Colchester Police, Fire Department, Technical Rescue, Rescue Services, the United States Coast Guard, Vermont State Police, Vermont Fish and Wildlife, and the South Hero Fire Department participated in the effort.
Aerial support was provided by a Coast Guard helicopter and a U.S.
Customs and Border Protection aircraft.
The search continued throughout the day but shifted to a recovery mission as daylight faded.
Efforts resumed the following day.
At 5:30 p.m. on July 5, divers from the Colchester Technical Rescue team located Lavallee’s body with assistance from the Vermont State Police Underwater Recovery Team.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing, but authorities have stated that the drowning does not appear to be suspicious.
The Colchester community mourns the loss of Lavallee and offers condolences to his family during this difficult time.
