Hunter
09/18/20
An investigation into the drowning death of an Iowa City resident has been ruled as an accident.
In a press release from the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office Friday, details of 21-year-old Makeda Scott’s death on June 7th of this year are laid out.
Scott and a co-worker spent the afternoon kayaking on Lake McBride in a Hobie Tandem Island Kayak. The craft is 18 ½ feet long and can be propelled by sail or foot paddle. At approximately 5:30, the two re-boarded the kayak after spending time in the water. Scott, who wasn’t wearing a life jacket, lost her balance shortly thereafter and fell into the water. The co-worker threw a life jacket to her, but she wasn’t able to reach it.
The co-worker then took the sail down and attempted twice to get near Scott and save her, but she disappeared underwater. He called 911 just after 5:30pm and remained on the phone until law enforcement personnel arrived. Two fishermen in the area heard the man’s shouts for help and assisted in searching for Ms. Scott. They also remained in the area until emergency personnel arrived.
The rescue operation started immediately and was suspended due to darkness. Scott’s body was found June 8th at 12:10pm near where she fell from the kayak.
An investigation into the incident included an autopsy at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, interviews with those involved, and examination of both Scott’s and the co-workers’ cellphones. The investigation concluded that there was no evidence of wrongdoing, and Scott’s death was ruled as an accidental drowning.