Drowning confirmed at Ideal Beach in Elkhart County

OSOLO TOWNSHIP, Ind. -- Several law enforcement officials and paramedics were called out to Ideal Beach Park in Elkhart County Friday afternoon for a report that two children drowned or nearly drowned.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources confirmed that one child has died and the other was rushed to the hospital in an unknown condition. 

According to DNR, two boys, 10 and 9 years old were rescued from the water.

Although several neighbors who live along Heaton Lake say employees and lifeguards at Ideal Beach often do not take their jobs seriously, DNR says lifeguards were able to save the 9-year-old boy, but the 10-year-old did not recover.

According to the Elkhart County Coroner James Elliott, 10-year-old Jamal Turpin died at Elkhart General Hospital.

An autopsy is scheduled for Saturday morning in Kalamazoo, Mich. to determine the cause of death.

The Elkhart Police Department, Department of Natural Resources, and the Elkhart County Coroner's Office continue to investigate. 

Lifeline Youth Ministries was at the park today and released this statement: "Lifeline is greatly saddened by the loss of a young life today at Ideal Beach. We are in constant prayer for the family and ask you to join us in lifting them up at this time of great need."