Father and Son Lost to Lake Michigan in Heartbreaking Holiday Weekend Tragedy

A Fourth of July boating trip ended in unimaginable sorrow for a Lockport family when a beloved father and son drowned in Lake Michigan while doing one of their favorite activities—playing catch. The incident has left a community mourning and a mother grieving the loss of both her child and former husband.

A Bond Forged Through Boating and Catch

Jameson Meneou, 20, had autism and shared a special connection with his father, David Meneou, 65. According to Jameson’s mother, Candace Keller Meneou, few things brought her son more joy than tossing a ball with his dad.

“Playing catch with his dad was his favorite thing to do,” she said.

The pair often spent time on the water, bonding through boating trips on Lake Michigan, a pastime that provided Jameson with a sense of independence. Though he couldn’t drive a car, he was able to drive a boat, making those moments even more meaningful.

On Saturday, the father and son were boating near Dune Acres in Porter County, Indiana, close to Indiana Dunes National Park, when their cherished routine turned tragic.

A Simple Game Turns Deadly

At one point during the outing, the two were playing catch aboard the boat when the ball was accidentally thrown into the water, Candace Keller Meneou explained. Jameson—affectionately known as Jamie—entered the water to retrieve it, but quickly began to struggle in the deep and unpredictable lake.

Seeing his son in danger, David jumped in after him in an attempt to save him. Tragically, he too was quickly overwhelmed by the powerful currents and waves.

Rescue Efforts and Response

Authorities said that Indiana Conservation officers and National Park Rangers responded immediately after being alerted to the active water rescue. Crews utilized off-road vehicles and a patrol boat to reach the remote area near the incident.

By the time they arrived, a Good Samaritan had already pulled both men from the water. Emergency personnel began CPR as the victims were transported by boat to the Port of Indiana.

Despite resuscitation efforts, both Jameson and David Meneou were pronounced dead at a nearby hospital, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Porter County Coroner confirmed. The incident remains under investigation.

Dangerous Conditions Highlighted by Weather Warnings

The heartbreaking loss occurred during a weekend marked by hazardous water conditions. The National Weather Service (NWS) had issued a warning about dangerously high waves and life-threatening rip currents across Lake Michigan’s southern shores, including areas in Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan.

The advisory, which extended through 7 p.m. Monday, cautioned beachgoers and boaters about the rapidly changing conditions. “People have died in these types of quickly-changing conditions before,” the NWS warned.

A Family and Community in Mourning

Jameson was the only child of David and Candace Meneou. His mother expressed deep sorrow over the double tragedy, but also underscored the love shared between father and son.

“David really loved his son,” she said.

The heartbreaking loss of a devoted father and a bright young man has touched many across the region. Their story is a sobering reminder of the unpredictable dangers of open water, even for experienced boaters and swimmers.

Porter County, Indiana, United States