In recent days, the Missouri Highway Patrol has reported a series of tragic drowning accidents at the Lake of the Ozarks, resulting in the loss of three lives in separate, unrelated incidents.
The first of these accidents occurred on August 3, 2024, at around 5:24 PM. According to the Missouri Highway Patrol’s incident report, 77-year-old Robert A. Crider from Climax Springs, Missouri, was found unresponsive in the water. His wife discovered him face down near the docks of their residence at 1268 Sunset Springs in Climax Springs. Sadly, emergency responders pronounced Crider dead at the scene.
Another drowning occurred on August 9, 2024, around noon. In this case, 69-year-old Steven F. Bucklinger of Warsaw, Missouri, was involved. For reasons still unknown, Bucklinger fell out of a boat while on the Lake of the Ozarks near mile marker 90. He did not survive the incident, with authorities confirming his death by drowning.
The most recent drowning took place on the evening of Saturday, August 10, 2024, at approximately 5:45 PM. Delphine M. Mwombeki, a 33-year-old woman from Lenexa, Kansas, entered the lake to swim from a dock but never resurfaced. Like the previous cases, her body was later recovered, marking yet another heartbreaking loss in the area.
The Missouri Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding these incidents. Each accident occurred in different locations around the lake, and officials have emphasized that they are unrelated. The back-to-back nature of these tragedies has nonetheless raised concerns about water safety at Lake of the Ozarks, a popular destination for boating and swimming.
The series of drownings highlights the importance of exercising caution while on or near the water, especially for individuals who may be swimming alone or engaging in water activities without proper precautions. The community is encouraged to remain vigilant, follow safety guidelines, and stay informed about the potential risks associated with swimming and boating on the lake.
These tragic incidents have brought a somber mood to the Lake of the Ozarks in recent days, serving as a reminder of the dangers that can arise during recreational activities in and around the water.
