Dad saves son, then drowns in Lake Mich

GRAND HAVEN, Mich. (WOOD) - A father trying to rescue his 9-year-old son in Lake Michigan at Grand Haven State Park drowned Friday night.

Around 8:40 p.m., emergency calls were made to report the boy was missing in the water.

The Ottawa County Dive Team, Grand Haven City Dive Team and the Coast Guard were all involved in the search and rescue effort.

The boy's father, 49-year-old Mark Scheuer from Holland, went into the lake to rescue him. The 9-year-old was rescued and is safe, but the father drowned because of the rough water conditions.

Beach-goers made a human chain by holding hands to search the water south of the pier until the sun went down to find the man.

Search crews found the man's body at 12:23 a.m. Saturday.

Scheuer's oldest son, Tim, told 24 Hour News 8 his father had a gruff exterior, but those who knew him knew his other, softer side.

"I'm just really upset that he had to go so early," Tim Scheuer said. "It wasn't really his time."

Visitations are planned for Thursday from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. A prayer vigil will be Thursday at 7:30 p.m and the funeral for Scheuer will be Friday at 10 a.m.

All of the events are at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church at 480 152nd Avenue in Holland.