15 Year-Old Slidell Area Teen Drowns

Slidell Police reports that, at approximately 4:40pm on Saturday (May 18, 2024), the SPD received a report of a possible downing that occurred in a Slidell-area lake (Palm Lake). Officers rushed to the scene, where they discovered that just minutes prior, a fifteen-year-old male had jumped into the lake to retrieve an item, but never resurfaced. 

St. Tammany Fire District # 1 quickly deployed Rapid Responders who entered the lake in an effort to locate and save the teen. Shortly after, members of the Slidell Police Department’s Dive Team arrived on the scene to assist with the efforts. Divers were able to locate the teen, who had sadly passed away as a result of the drowning. 

“This is a very sad situation and every parent’s worst nightmare. Our condolences are with the teen’s family during these tough times,” says Slidell Police Chief Randy Fandal. 

SPD expressed their thanks to St. Tammany Fire Protection District #1 , Acadian Ambulance, and the officers who responded to the scene for their assistance and efforts in locating the teen. 

At this time, foul play is not suspected. The identity of the teen will be withheld until proper notifications can be made. Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers. 

In a Press Release today (May 20, 2024), St. Tammany Parish Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape referred to the tragedy and is asking residents to be especially careful with water recreation as the summer season begins on Memorial Day Weekend. Tape stated that drowning remains the leading cause of death from ages 1-4.  “Don’t leave children unattended in pools or while swimming in the ocean, lakes or rivers,” Tape said. “When boating, please ensure that every passenger, regardless of age, has an appropriate personal flotation device (PFD). In simplest terms, don’t take chances.”