Community Rallies to Support Arizona Family After Tragic Drowning at Bear Lake

Bear Lake, Utah – A heartbreaking tragedy struck Ideal Beach on Bear Lake on Saturday, June 6, 2026, when 17-year-old Gideon Rowles of Shumway, Arizona, drowned while paddleboarding. The local community and friends from Arizona have quickly come together to support his grieving family during this difficult time.

According to the Utah Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division, emergency responders were called to Ideal Beach around 3:30 p.m. Gideon had fallen from his paddleboard and became separated from it. He was not wearing a life jacket. Despite rapid response and life-saving efforts by first responders and his brother who was with him, Gideon did not survive.

Gideon was visiting Utah for the summer with plans to learn piano tuning alongside his brother. Described by his father, Daniel Rowles, as an “amazing kid” who was always active and creative, Gideon had a passion for helping others. He enjoyed music, cards, yo-yos, guitar, and was preparing for a leadership camp where he handmade personalized scrapbook cards for every participant to make them feel special.

“He was just an amazing kid that just always wanted to be doing something with his hands,” his father shared. Gideon was entering his senior year of high school, dual-enrolled in online academics and an automotive technology program, and known for looking out for those around him.

Community Support and GoFundMe

In the wake of this sudden loss, friends, church members, and the broader community have organized a GoFundMe campaign to help the Rowles family with funeral expenses and the costs of bringing Gideon home to Arizona.

As of recent updates, the fundraiser has raised significant support toward its goal, with any excess funds designated for a scholarship or another family facing tragedy.

Link to Donate: Support for the Rowles Family

This tragedy serves as a solemn reminder of water safety on Bear Lake. Officials strongly encourage everyone — especially visitors and those enjoying recreational activities like paddleboarding, boating, or swimming — to always wear a properly fitted life jacket and never boat or paddle alone.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Rowles family, their friends, and all who knew and loved Gideon. Bear Lake is a place of joy and memories for so many families — may this community continue to show the love and support that defines our valley in times of need.

Stay safe on the water this summer. Life jackets save lives.

For more local news, events, and safety information, visit bearlakeutah.com.