Merrill father drowns trying to help daughter

Daughter was swimming in Crystal Lake

Published On: Jun 21 2012 05:58:57 PM CDT
TOWN OF BRADLEY, Wis. -

Authorities have released the name of the Merrill man who drowned while trying to help his daughter, who was struggling while swimming in a Lincoln County lake.

Sheriff's officials said 42-year-old Xavier M. Patton was at Crystal Lake with his daughters Wednesday afternoon when one began having trouble. He swam out to help her, but began having difficulties and went under.

A man who witnessed the incident dove underwater, located the father and brought him to shore. Patton was pronounced dead at Ministry Sacred Heart Hospital in Tomahawk.

The man's daughter wasn't injured. 

  • Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.