Man dies after medical emergency at Umphrey Pavilion on Lake Sam Rayburn

Photo Courtesy of Lake Sam Rayburn Website

JASPER COUNTY — A man died Saturday evening after a medical emergency caused him to fall into the water at Umphrey Pavilion on Lake Sam Rayburn.

According to Jasper County Sheriff Chuck Havard, the call came in around 5:11 p.m. on November 8, 2025, reporting a possible drowning. Three Jasper County Sheriff’s deputies happened to be nearby and arrived within eight minutes.

Preliminary information indicates the man had been fishing with his wife from the dock when he began coughing, suddenly lost consciousness, and fell into the water. His wife immediately jumped in and tried to keep him above the surface.

A nearby boater saw what was happening, moved toward the dock, pulled the man from the water, and began CPR. Deputies arrived shortly after and continued life-saving efforts. Additional first responders joined them and worked aggressively to revive him, but attempts were unsuccessful.

Justice of the Peace Judge Brett Holloway pronounced the man deceased at 6:13 p.m.

The man’s identity is being withheld pending family notifications.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of this gentleman during this very difficult time,” Sheriff Havard said.