Florida man drowns saving juvenile in Lake Michigan 

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Indiana Department of Natural Resources

402 W. Washington St.

Indianapolis, IN 46204

 

For immediate release: June 27, 2022

 

Florida man drowns saving juvenile in Lake Michigan 

The body of a Florida man was recovered today by lifeguards after he saved the life of a juvenile.

At approximately 10:28 a.m. CT, responders were dispatched to Porter Beach regarding two people struggling in the water.

Thomas Kenning, 38, of St. Petersburg, Florida, was visiting with family when he observed a juvenile female in distress in Lake Michigan. Kenning reached the juvenile and helped her to safety before going under the water and not resurfacing.

A short time later, Indiana Dunes State Park lifeguards arrived on scene to assist, and they pulled Kenning from the water. He was transported to Northwest Health Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy will determine an exact cause.

Porter Beach is an unguarded beach and is “swim at your own risk.” 

Assisting agencies include Porter Fire, Chesterton Fire, Burns Harbor Fire, Northwest Health EMS, National Park Rangers, and Indiana Conservation Officers.

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Media contact: ICO Nicole Baumann, DNR Law Enforcement, 219-741-7000, nbaumann@dnr.IN.gov

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