CREEDMOOR, Texas -- The family of a 15-year-old boy is speaking out after he drowned this week in the Blanco River at a popular swimming spot in San Marcos. 

  • Wyatt Kunze drowned at Five Mile Dam Park
  • Was 15-years-old
  • Officials examining how to increase river safety

Wyatt Kunze of Lockhart leaves behind a big family, that is now grieving for him. His sister, 23-year-old Cheryl Patterson, was swimming with him at Five Mile Dam Park.

“I didn’t think there were drops that bad, but it’s kind of sad, to see something like that happen, knowing that you really couldn’t help even though you tried, everything you could. It’s just a guilt that is put on you,” Patterson said. 

Photo credit: Cheryl Patterson

Patterson said they decided to swim across the river to get to rocks on the other side.  

“I think he tried to touch down to the bottom and he could not reach. He panicked and he was calling me for help. He’s like, ‘Help, help!’. I tried to help him, but he was dragging me down with him,” said Patterson.

RELATED | Hays County Officials Identify Teenager Who Drowned at Five Mile Dam 

Wednesday afternoon, Hays County authorities recovered Wyatt’s body about 10 to 20 feet in the water. Sheriff Gary Cutler said no foul play was involved, it was just a terrible accidental death. Family members said Kunze loved playing football, working on cars, and watching scary movies with his older sister. 

“He was kind, probably one of the sweetest. He did everything for everyone. You didn’t have to tell him. He would just do it. You didn’t have to ask anything of him. He just had a kind soul,” Patterson said. 

Hays County officials are now assessing the ways they can increase safety along the river. Patterson believes there should be more signs that do not just warn people to swim at their own risk, but also, to indicate where the deeper ares of the river are. She said Kunze meant the world to her, and she does not want a death like this to happen to other people’s loved ones. 

“Grab them, keep them close, because you never know when you’re going to lose somebody,” Patterson said.  

A GoFundMe account has been established to help the family with funeral expenses.  

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