Manti graduate rescues one swimmer, combs 65-degree water to locate drowning victim

STERLING—A recent Manti High School graduate rescued one swimmer and then dove into 65-degree water to locate the body of the first swimmer’s brother last Saturday, June 2 at Palisade Lake.

Devin McClellan of Orem described the actions of Devin Christensen of Manti in a Facebook post.

Christensen still had a banner from the Manti High graduation parade on his truck. That’s how McClellan was able to identify him. 

McClellan wrote that Christensen saved the younger swimmer and then spent more than  45 minutes in the cold water searching for the swimmer who had gone under.

“He not only saved a life today, but he gave some peace of mind to a family who lost a loved one,” McClellan said in his post.

The teenager who drowned, Alejandro Morales, 18, from Goshen “was swimming with friends when the weather conditions began to deteriorate,” a press release from Utah State Parks stated. Observers said the wind kicked up, triggering waves 2-3-feet high.

People nearby assisted a number of swimmers caught in the storm but could not reach Morales and called 911, officials said.

According to the press release, the Sanpete County Sheriff’s Office and Utah State Park first responders were called to the scene at approximately 5 p.m.

First responders located Morales in 15-20 feet of water, the press release said. The water had a surface temperature of approximately 65 degrees. Morales was not wearing a life jacket when his body was recovered. 

 Devin Christensen’s father, Nate, said that prior to Devin and his 12-year-old brother, Bryce, leaving for Palisades, he lectured them on life jackets, cold water and how to assist in a drowning scenario.

“They laughed at my ‘dad wisdom’ and overt concern,’” Nate said. “The boys have been out there many times this season already, but I felt the need to sit them down and instruct them this time.”

Nate said his sons were about 30 yards off shore on a floating dock waiting out the harsh winds and large waves.

“They told me they could see the two boys swimming towards them, struggling and asking for help as they were trying to swim towards the dock,” Nate said.

Christensen said when the younger swimmer was about 20 feet away from the dock, Devin  pushed his paddle board out to rescue him.

 “The water was so cold, and I really didn’t want to get in it, but when I saw the other person go under and not resurface for about 30 seconds, I knew that his life was more important than me being cold,” Devin Christensen said.

“Devin broke every single rule I gave him and dove in and did more than a best effort to find the second young man,” Nate said.

“Using someone’s fish finder, they were able to locate the body around 6:15 p.m., and Devin dove into the water and located the body,” Nate said. “I am not sure how he was able to swim down that far but he did.”

Devin said when he placed one of his hands on the victim’s stomach and the other on his face, he panicked a little and had to come back up to the top.

“It was scary, and it freaked me out a little bit, I am not sure why, but it just did,” Devin said.

By the time Devin surfaced, Nate Christensen said, an officer from the Utah Department of Natural Resources had arrived and told Devin he would take over from that point and sent him to shore to wait. 

According to Devin, it felt like several hours before searchers pulled the body out of the water, but in reality it was only one hour.

“Both of my boys were talking about the different characters who were immediately out in the water” as swimmers started to get into trouble, Nate said. “You’re talking about average people who were enjoying a day at the lake, who immediately put their own lives at risk and became heroes.”

Eventually, official first responders came and did a fantastic job, Nate said. But, he said, if there had been any chance to save Alejandro, his sons and other bystanders did everything possible.

Responding agencies included the Utah Division of State Parks, Sanpete County Sheriff’s Office, Sanpete County Search and Rescue, Gunnison Valley Police Department and Ephraim City Police Department.

The press release said Utah State Parks wanted  to thank the visitors who assisted in the incident.

With the recreation season underway, people enjoying the outdoors should make safety a top priority, the Utah State Parks press release said. Always recreate with a buddy, wear your life jackets and helmets, and be sure to let somebody know where you are going and when to expect your return. Checking weather conditions and water temperatures is also vital.