James A. Singer, a 24-year-old man from Salt Lake City, died in a paddleboarding accident at Jordanelle Reservoir on April 13, prompting urgent warnings from the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office about water safety amid hazardous conditions. Singer, who had recently moved to the area from Illinois, was found deceased after apparently drifting across the lake due to strong winds.
The Wasatch County 911 Center received a water emergency call around 7:45 a.m. Officials from the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office, Wasatch County Fire District, and Utah Division of Natural Resources immediately responded and located Singer on the opposite side of the reservoir from where he launched.
Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Leo Lucey confirmed the weather was a critical factor in the accident. “It was a super windy, cold day with heavy wind gusts,” Lucey said. “He’d gone in at the main ramp, and they found him all the way on the other side of the lake.” Singer was paddleboarding alone when the conditions pushed him across the water, making rescue efforts challenging.
Authorities believe the cause of death was a combination of drowning and exposure to the cold, but an autopsy report is pending to confirm the exact details. The incident is ruled accidental, but it serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by hazardous weather on water bodies, even in early spring.
The Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office issued a strong public safety advisory urging everyone to wear life jackets regardless of their activity on the water—whether boating, kayaking, fishing, or paddleboarding—highlighting that at least one drowning or water-related fatality is reported every year in the area.
Leo Lucey, Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office: “We recommend that everyone wear a safety vest no matter what they’re doing in the water … paddleboarding, boats, kayaks—all of it.”
While most water-related accidents occur during summer, this incident highlights that cold and windy conditions in other seasons can be equally deadly. With recreational water use rising nationwide, including in Kentucky where boating and water sports are popular, officials stress vigilance and proper safety gear to prevent tragic outcomes.
Neighbors, family, and outdoor enthusiasts mourn the loss of Singer, whose recreational day ended in tragedy. Rescue teams continue to emphasize caution this year as unpredictable weather patterns increase risks for water users.
The Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office is awaiting the autopsy results, which will provide further information on the circumstances of the death. Meanwhile, local authorities nationwide are reminded by this devastating event that simple precautions like wearing a life jacket save lives, no matter how experienced or prepared a person may feel.
For Kentucky readers and beyond, the lesson from Jordanelle Reservoir is clear: stay informed on weather conditions, always wear a life vest, and never underestimate the power of the elements when engaging in water sports.
