Drowning Tragedy at Portage Lakes: Walter O’Neil Cox, 49, of Akron Identified as Victim
NEW FRANKLIN, OH – June 24, 2025 — A day meant for relaxation and time with family turned into tragedy at Portage Lakes State Park, as emergency crews confirmed the death of Walter O’Neil Cox, 49, of Akron, following a prolonged and intense search effort. The Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office released the victim’s identity after his body was recovered from the lake late Tuesday afternoon.
According to the New Franklin Fire Department, first responders were called to the Portage Lakes State Park Swim Beach, located at 5031 Manchester Road, at approximately 2:46 p.m. on June 24. The distress call reported that an adult male had gone under the water while swimming with family and had not resurfaced.
New Franklin police officers arrived on the scene within minutes and entered the water in an immediate effort to find the man. Despite their attempts, they were unable to locate him. Recognizing the urgency and severity of the situation, additional emergency resources were deployed, including the South Summit Water Rescue Team and the Akron Fire Department Dive Team.
The search was comprehensive and utilized specialized sonar equipment and professionally trained dive teams. Divers combed the area with precision, facing limited visibility and challenging underwater terrain. After nearly four hours of relentless search and rescue efforts, divers located Mr. Cox approximately 150 feet offshore in 10 feet of water. He was recovered around 6:30 p.m., but tragically, he did not survive.
The South Summit Water Rescue Team consists of a coalition of trained personnel from several area departments including New Franklin Fire, Coventry Township Fire, Green Fire, Springfield Township Fire, and the Summit County Sheriff’s Office. This multi-agency response underscored the magnitude of the emergency and the community’s commitment to responding to water-related tragedies.
In addition to local first responders, officers from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) were on site to assist and are now working in collaboration with the Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office to complete the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the drowning.
A statement from the New Franklin Fire Department expressed deep sorrow at the outcome:
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family as they try to come to grips with this tragic accident,” the statement read.
The drowning of Walter O’Neil Cox has sent ripples of grief through both his family and the wider Akron and New Franklin communities. He is remembered not just as the victim of a heartbreaking accident, but as a beloved son, brother, and friend whose presence enriched the lives of those who knew him.
As the summer season continues and residents head to local lakes and beaches, this incident serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictable dangers that water can pose—even to experienced swimmers. Officials urge the public to always be vigilant, swim in designated areas, and ensure appropriate supervision when in and around water.
The family of Walter Cox is now left to mourn the sudden loss of a loved one taken too soon. Plans for memorial services will be announced in the coming days. In the meantime, the community wraps its arms around them in compassion, prayer, and support during this deeply painful time.
Rest in peace, Walter O’Neil Cox.