A West Jordan man drowned Sunday after he jumped into Lake Powell to try to save his wife, according to the Kane County Sheriff’s Office and the National Park Service.
Justin Shannon, 46, was one of seven people boating in Wahweap Bay when his wife, Melissa Shannon, who was not wearing a life jacket, jumped into the water. There were “high winds” and Melissa Shannon “began to struggle,” according to a news release, so Justin Shannon “jumped into the water to provide assistance.”
According to a GoFundMe page raising funds for Justin Shannon’s funeral, “He was heroic and saved the life of his wife … before his passing,”
Justin Shannon was not wearing a life jacket and also “began to struggle,” according to police and the National Park Service. The wind caused the boat to drift away from the two swimmers, and it suffered “mechanical problems,” which delayed restarting the boat. According to authorities, people on the boat tossed Justin Shannon a lifesaver, but he was “unable to grab” it.
When the boat was restarted, another member of the group jumped into the water, helped Melissa Shannon put on a life jacket and pulled Justin Shannon from under the water. He was pulled onto the boat, and CPR was begun as the boat traveled approximately one mile to the Stateline Launch Ramp.
Two off-duty firefighters continued CPR, and National Park Service rangers tried CPR and used a defibrillator, but they were unable to revive Justin Shannon. He was pronounced dead at about 8 p.m.; his body has been taken to the Utah State Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy.
The Kane County Sheriff’s Office, National Park Service and the Utah State Medical Examiner’s Office are investigating.