Firefighters and a couple of citizens braved the icy waters of Lake Simcoe off Shanty Bay late Sunday afternoon in an heroic attempt to rescue a man trapped underwater.
Oro-Medonte Fire Chief Hugh Murray told BarrieToday it appears the man was working underwater when he became trapped below the surface.
Barrie OPP, County of Simcoe Paramedics and Oro-Medonte firefighters were called to the location on Forrester Road around 4:30 p.m.
"He was fixing a pump or water line, got tangled in something and was trapped underneath the water," said Fire Chief Murray. "Something went terribly wrong,"
The man, who was wearing a wet suit, was vital signs absent when firefighters finally managed to pull him out.
"Four firefighters had to cut him free," said Fire Chief Murray. "The firefighters had put on rescue suits for the cold water."
Firefighters and paramedics performed CPR in a desperate bid to save the man's life.
County of Simcoe Paramedic Services Deputy Chief J.C. Gilbert said paramedics provided care to four patients on the scene.
"Three patients were assessed for mild hyperthermia and refused transport," Gilbert said. "One patient was assessed to be in a life threatening condition and was treated and transported to hospital."
OPP Sgt. Peter Leon said the 55-year old man was pronounced dead at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre.
Leon said a man and a woman had entered the water to try and help the victim prior to the arrival of the fire department.
An autopsy was performed Monday.
OPP say the death is still under investigation but is not considered suspicious.
