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Texas grandfather, son-in-law drown in rip currents at Galveston Island

Deputies: Son-in-law attempted to save grandfather from current

FREEPORT, Texas – Two people drowned Monday and another person was injured during an incident near San Luis Pass in the western end of Galveston Island, according to deputies.

The incident was reported in the waters near Treasure Island neighborhood near the Bluewater Highway Bridge.

According to Brazoria County deputies, Larry Lumpkin, 67, of Willis, was vacationing with his family at a rental home in the area.

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Deputies said Lumpkin ventured into the water and began to struggle. His son-in-law, Dennis Roberson, 46, of Montgomery, jumped in and tried to save him. Deputies said both men were pulled underwater by strong currents.

Lumpkin was pronounced dead at the scene. Roberson was flown to John Sealy Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Deputies said Armando Espinoza, 54, of Houston, tried to help the men and was also overcome by the water.

Crews rescued him and he was flown to John Sealy Hospital and was listed in stable condition.

Investigators said no one should be in the water when advisories are issued for rip currents.

“The National Weather Service issued a rip current statement early this afternoon,” Lt. Varon Snelgrove said. “People need to be mindful of those. Check the weather. When they see those warning don’t get in the water. It may look calm from the beach itself may not thing you’re going to get in that much trouble out there knee deep or waist deep. But the rip current is extremely bad.”

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About the Authors
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RJ Marquez is the traffic anchor/reporter for KSAT’s Good Morning San Antonio. He also fills in as a news anchor and has covered stories from breaking news and Fiesta to Spurs championships and high school sports. RJ started at KSAT in 2010. He is proud to serve our viewers and be a part of the culture and community that makes San Antonio great.

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