A Southern Catholic College student drowned Monday night while swimming in a lake at Gold Creek Golf Club in Dawson County.
Late Tuesday, the victim was identified as Kevin Sinnott, 22, a native of Ireland.

Dawson County’s Search and Rescue unit spent nearly four hours Monday night looking for the student, who reportedly grew tired and went under the water.

The unit returned with Hall County’s dive team to resume the search Tuesday morning. The body was recovered shortly after 2 p.m. in about 14 feet of water, 15 to 18 feet from shore.

Authorities said Sinnott was attempting to swim the length of the lake with a group of friends when he began to struggle about
8:30 p.m.

“Some of the group tried to go back and help him but were not successful,” said Dawson County Sheriff’s Sgt. Johnny Holtzclaw. “What this appears to be is an unfortunate accident.”

Holtzclaw said there were no indications that alcohol was a factor in the incident.

Father Shawn Aaron, president of the college, said in a news conference at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, that it is a very difficult time for students at the school.

“Death is an ally, it teaches us to live life. This young man has become a prophet to us,” said Aaron.

Aaron described the victim as a young man of strong faith and a good heart, one of the best students on campus.

He also said that the college is asking for prayers during this difficult time.