LUDINGTON, Mich. — The man who drowned in Lake Michigan Tuesday afternoon at Ludington State Park has been identified.
The Mason County Sheriff's Office said they responded just before 2 p.m. Tuesday to a report of a person struggling in the water at Ludington State Park.
Authorities say 44-year-old Mark Scholes of Oskaloosa, Iowa was swimming in the outlet of the Sauble River when he began to struggle to resurface.
Other beachgoers tried to reach him, but it was too late. Scholes was under the water. They pulled him to a raft, then to shore, where they started CPR.
He was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
Scholes was the principal of Oskaloosa Middle School, a Facebook post confirmed. Staff say he was on vacation with his family when he drowned.
He's remembered as a dedicated educator and leader. They say he leaves a lasting impact on his community.
"His passion for education and commitment to our students’ success were evident in everything he did. We are all grieving this terrible loss," staff wrote.
Officers with the Ludington Police Department, troopers with the Michigan State Police, Ludington State Park Rangers, Hamlin and Ludington Fire along with LIFE EMS all responded to the scene and assisted deputies.
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