PEMBROKE, Maine — A 44-year-old Pleasant Point man drowned late Monday afternoon in an accident at a popular local swimming spot, the Maine Warden Service confirmed.
Anthony LeBretton had been swimming with several others, including his wife, at a large gathering off Robbinston Ridge Road shortly after 4 p.m. when he jumped off a small bridge into the Pennamaquan River, landing feet first, according to Warden Joe Gardner and Sgt. Alan Gillis.
When the swimmer failed to resurface, witnesses went into the river looking for him, Gardner said. He was found shortly afterward and brought back to shore, where CPR was performed until emergency medical personnel arrived.
The swimmer, whose body was recovered at 4:19 p.m., was pronounced dead on his way to a local hospital, Gardner said.
According to Gillis, the drop from the bridge to the surface of Pennamaquan River was 12 feet 9 inches and that to his knowledge, local swimmers are not prohibited from using it.
Gillis said that an examination of LeBretton’s body will be conducted by a representative of the State Medical Examiner’s Office.
The Maine Warden Service was assisted at the scene by personnel from the Maine State Police, the Maine Forest Service and the Pleasant Point Police Department, which serves the Passamaquoddy Tribe.
That stinks. Little Falls is a dangerous place to swim. God speed…
People need to use precautions and swim safely.
Any place can be dangerous. Chicken rock at the quarry anyone???
Shut Down This Got Dam Swimming Hole, it has took to many young people that we love so much. shut it down befor it takes a onther love one that we will miss for ever.
How would they shut down a swimming hole? Do you propose they post an officer there full time? Drain it? Blow the bridge up?
This swimming hole hasnt “claimed” several lives. I only recall one other death. A classmate of mine and I was present that day. People make choices. Some are dangerous and prove to be fatal. You cant blame human errors and lack of good judgment on a swimming hole!
The Town Or State Could Shut This Down Is Needed So.To Many Young Lives Has Been A Victim To This Swimming Hole. I SAY CLOSE IT TO SWIMMERS. CASE CLOSED.
Should we also ban driving because people die in accidents?
Aside from this man (and we still do not know WHY he died) I can recall only 1 other who has died at this spot in my lifetime, and he died under the influence of alcohol after falling out of the top of a tree.
I suppose you would like them to ban trees aswell.
I Heard The Government Was Considering Shutting Down SEX In The 80’s/90’s Because hiv/aids Were Killing People Too.
My condolences for the family of the deceased,
mine To.
Several lives have been lost at that place. An attempt was made to shut it down a while back. Fences and signs were put up but people ripped them up and continued to go there anyways.
Never dive or jump into known or unknown waters without inspection… Wade out first, inspect the bottom… Trees and logs especially may block water that you think is deep… My friend was paralyzed from the neck down many years ago by diving into a local lake… Don’t ban swimming at the swimming holes, use common sense… Supervise children…
Rest in Peace, Tony. We love you, sweetie. Always in our hearts and minds. May your journey now be a restful one