EXCELSIOR, Minn. — Officials say a man drowned at Lake Minnetonka's Commons Beach in Excelsior Thursday evening.
According to a press release from the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, water patrol was called around 6 p.m. on a report of a swimmer who went underwater and never resurfaced.
Officials located the swimmer and were able to pull him into a patrol boat, where life-saving procedures were administered.
The man was then transported to HCMC, where he later died.
The victim's brother identified him as Ben Garcia. Carlos Garcia says he was 26-years-old and his first child was due in a matter of days.
"We want people to remember him, how he was, who he was and later on have his daughter read about her dad," said Carlos.
He said his brother went swimming with a friend, but wasn't wearing a life a jacket and the wind and current made it too difficult to get back to shore.
"They both struggled to get out and some people tried to help them and only one made it," said Carlos. "I just think maybe he went in too deep and then he couldn’t get out."
Carlos said his baby brother was funny, outgoing and loved the outdoors. The two had dreams of making it big in the real estate industry.
He wants other people to take precautions around the water, especially during the hot, 4th of July weekend. There are no lifeguards on duty at Commons Beach.
"Water can be dangerous," he said. "It’s fun, it’s everything, but it can be dangerous too."
It's the second fatal incident on Lake Minnetonka in as many days. On Wednesday, a juvenile was killed in a jet ski crash.
There is a fundraiser set-up to help Garcia's family if you'd like to donate here.