19-year-old man dies after being pulled from the water near Balmy Beach Club in The Beach

Erin Horrocks-Pope June 21, 2020

A 19-year-old man has died in hospital after being pulled from the water near Hubbard Boulevard and Maclean Avenue, just east of the Balmy Beach Club, this Sunday evening.

Emergency crews arrived on scene shortly after 7 p.m. after several calls reporting a man screaming for help in the water.

According to Toronto Police Const. Alex Li, witnesses said the man had been swimming and appeared to have trouble staying afloat, eventually disappearing under the water.

At least ten people were searching for the man when Toronto Fire arrived on the scene.

Rescue crews search the water near Hubbard Boulevard and Maclean Avenue for a missing 19-year-old swimmer around 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 21, 2020. - Photo submitted by Beach resident, James Riley.

James Riley, a Beach resident who witnessed the search, described the scene as emotional.

"A lot of people tried to help," Riley said. "A lot of crying, hugging neighbours."

Dozens of people had crowded the search area, anxious for good news, but when the Toronto Police Marine Unit located the man shortly after 8 p.m., he had no vital signs.

People watch emergency crews search for a missing 19-year-old swimmer near Hubbard Boulevard and Maclean Avenue around 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 21, 2020. - Photo submitted by Beach resident, James Riley.

He was immediately rushed to hospital in life-threatening conditions and was later pronounced dead.

"As soon as they knew he was dead, most people left," Riley said. "I think we all knew he was, but the hope was there he was not."

While an investigation is underway, police don’t believe foul play to have been a contributing factor to this drowning incident.