By Marlana Smith
A Shelbina teen died after drowning in the Clarence Lake 1/2 a mile northeast of Clarence on Sunday, May 20, 2024 at 4:55 p.m.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol drowning report, Gabriel O. Parker, 18, attempted ot swim the width of the lake, became fatigued and went under the water. Other swimmers attempted to rescue Parker but were unsuccessful.
A Macon County Rescue Squad member performed dive operations and recovered Parker. He was pronounced dead the scene by Shelby County Coroner Corey Eagan at 6:06 p.m.
The report states Parker was not wearing a life jacket.
The MSHP was assisted by Conservation Agent Jared Kelly, Shelby County Sheriff’s Department, Clarence Police Department, Salt River Ambulance and Clarence Fire Department.
