Gulfport man dead after drowning at Dedeaux Park

GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) - Gulfport Police confirmed one person drowned in the Biloxi River Sunday evening in the area of Dedeaux Park.

Harrison County Deputy Coroner Brian Switzer confirmed the victim was 37-year-old Anthony Lewellyn of Gulfport.

Sgt. James Griffin said around 6:04 p.m., Gulfport Police and Fire responded to the 13000 block of River Road on the report of a possible drowning.

Upon arrival, fire department divers recovered Lewellyn from the waters. He was unresponsive at the time, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Switzer said it is possible Lewellyn was trying to get children out of the water to safety, but was swept in under the current before he reached shore. There are no other victims in this incident.

Officials said the drowning is considered accidental.

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