JSO: Man drowns in retention pond in Southside neighborhood

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a body was found in the retention pond outside an apartment complex on Western Way.

STORY: Survivors and family members ask people to speak up for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

According to detectives, at approximately 4:57 a.m., officers responded to the location after receiving several 911 calls about someone screaming for help. Several witnesses at the scene saw a man screaming for help in a retention pond.

At least one good Samaritan jumped into the water and tried to save the drowning individual, but the victim slipped below the surface before the man could reach him.

STORY: Loretta Lynn, queen of country music and Coal Miner’s Daughter, dies at 90

Personnel from the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, officers from JSO and members of the JSO Dive Team all commenced a search of the pond and recovered a body from the water at 6:20 a.m. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. The identity of the man has yet to be identified.

Detectives believe the man was in his early 30s, and no foul play is suspected at this time. The Homicide Unit and Crime Scene Unit are investigating together with the Medical Examiner’s Office to positively identify the victim and determine the cause of death.

Action News Jax will continue to follow the story and update you as events unfold.