Ripley Volunteer Fire Deparment's Assistant Chief, Ben Hersman, says it's never easy to take a drowning call.

"We always try to hurry as quick as possible 'cause there's always that slight chance we could save somebody." says Hersman.

But on Wednesday afternoon, the race against the clock was one they had no chance of winning.

"We were here very quickly, but unfortunately there was nothing we could do." says Hersman.

Two girls who were with the boy when he went under simply didn't have enough time to get help soon enough...

Hersman says, "They had to swim up out of the water and go to a house to call and so there was a little bit of a delay there,

but they did everything they possibly could and unfortunately accidents happen."

Jackson County Deputies say the teen was visiting from Georgia with a friend, and say he was a good swimmer.. But O'Brien Lake is one of the muddiest in the county; about 6 miles long, and about 16 feet deep in the middle. It's usually a great place to spend a lazy summer afternoon.

"Normally there's boating, fishing, and everything out here throughout the year, but today was an unfortunate accident." says Hersman.

And it's a death that will make this summer memorable for a reason no one wanted.

The boy's body has been taken to the medical examiner for a full autopsy. More information will be released after more family in Georgia has been notified. Right now deputies say there doesn't appear to be any foul play.