Detroit man drowns after falling off boat on White Lake

WHITE LAKE MUNICIPALITY, Michigan – A 62-year-old Detroit man drowned after falling from a boat into White Lake in Oakland County.

Christopher Edward Vaquera was in a boat operated by his brother, a 65-year-old Highland Township man, when Vaquera fell from the boat at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, July 5.

According to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, Vaquera was walking toward the stern of the boat to get a drink when he lost his balance and fell into the lake.

His brother threw a flotation device into the water but was unable to stay afloat. Two kayakers who were nearby pulled Vaquera out of the lake and took him to shore.

White Lake Township Fire Department paramedics performed CPR. Vaquera was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The sheriff’s office said alcohol likely was a factor.