A tragic event unfolded during a Memorial Day weekend outing at Lake Anna, Virginia when a father and his teenage son drowned in a rescue attempt. The incident took place on Saturday, May 25, near Carrs Bridge Road, approximately 60 miles northwest of Richmond, Virginia around 1:10 p.m.
The victims were identified as Matthew Atchley, a 42-year-old quality control engineer from Erie, Pennsylvania, and his 14-year-old son, Tyler Atchley. They were attending a graduation party when Tyler began having difficulties in the water. Eyewitness reports noted Matthew jumping into the water in an effort to rescue his son, but both soon vanished from sight.
The Louisa County Sheriff’s Office reported, “Witnesses observed the father struggling, just before losing sight of him as well.” Several onlookers also entered the water in a failed attempt to rescue the father and son.
Emergency response units, including the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office Marine Units, Mineral Volunteer Fire Department, Lake Anna Volunteer Rescue, the Department of Wildlife Resources, and the Spotsylvania County Fire & EMS Dive Team, were immediately dispatched to the location. Despite their exhaustive efforts, both Matthew and Tyler were found deceased at the scene.
Authorities confirmed that the victims were visiting from out of state for the holiday weekend. Their remains were sent to the Office of the Medical Examiner in Richmond, Virginia for further analysis.
Matthew and Tyler Atchley’s family is now grieving their loss. Heidi Johnson, a family member, described Matthew as a man who “loved his family dearly” and mentioned that he and Tyler were enthusiastic Pittsburgh Steelers fans. “It’s heartbreaking to lose them both,” Johnson shared.
Kelly Hess, superintendent of the Harbor Creek School District where Tyler was a student, expressed her condolences. “It is with a heavy heart that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of one of our Junior High students and his father while on vacation out of town. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the family and friends during this unimaginably difficult time,” Hess said. The district is providing counselors for students and staff to help them deal with the loss.
Sheriff Major Donnie Lowe underlined the importance of safety around water, stating, “Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the Atchleys. This incident is a somber reminder of the unpredictable nature of water and the importance of safety around it.”
The investigation into the incident is still underway, however, authorities do not suspect any foul play. The Louisa County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
