Essex DA: Foul Play Not Suspected in Medford Man's Apparent Drowning at Saugus Lake

Foul play isn't suspected in an apparent drowning of a Medford man Sunday night at Pearce Lake at Breakheart Reservation, according to a press statement by the Essex District Attorney's Office.

Luis C. Espinoza, 34, last known address 10 Thatcher St., #2, Medford, was at after he apparently drowned at Breakheart Reservation in Saugus, according to the statement. The man was initially reported as a Melrosian by State Police.

Espinoza was swimming with a group of friends at the reservation at about 7 p.m., when two of his friends swam from one large rock to another in the center of the pond, about 50-75 yards away, according to the statement. When the two friends got to the rock, they saw the victim jump in and start to swim toward them, read the statement. The victim started having trouble, and went under, according to the statement, and Espinoza’s two friends attempted to swim to him but got tired and had to turn around.

The victim’s friends called 911, and the Saugus Fire Department and Saugus EMS were dispatched at 7:07 p.m., read the statement. State Police from the Danvers barracks also responded, the statement adds.

A jogger heard the commotion and spotted the victim from his vantage point, according to the statement, and he jumped in and helped pull Espinoza from the water, along with fire department personnel. The victim was located in about eight feet of water, the statement adds.

An autopsy is expected to be conducted Monday at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Boston, according to the statement.