A beloved father tragically lost his life in Michigan while swimming across a campground lake with his young son. 

Christopher Malone, 42, was identified as the ‘devoted’ father who drowned on Thursday after swimming across a lake at Campgrounds-R-Us in Owosso Township with his eight-year-old son. 

Cries were heard at around 5pm by a man nearby as Malone and his son struggled in the waters of the campground lake.  

Shiawassee County Lieutenant Keith Hansen told The Argus-Press that the nearby camper tried to save both swimmers but only managed to bring the boy to shore. 

‘They got about halfway out, were unable to finish the swim, and started yelling for help,’ Hansen said. 

After around 20 minutes in the water on the west side of the lake, Malone was found unconscious as emergency responders attempted lifesaving measures, WILX reported. 

He was then transported to hospital where he was pronounced dead. 

While investigators don’t believe drugs or alcohol was involved in the drowning, law enforcement told News 10 that no life preservers were used. 

Christopher Malone, 42, was identified as the ‘devoted’ father who drowned on Thursday after swimming across a lake at Campgrounds-R-Us in Owosso Township with his eight-year-old son

Cries were heard at around 5pm by a man nearby as Malone and his son struggled in the waters of the campground lake

After around 20 minutes in the water on the west side of the lake, Malone was found unconscious as emergency responders attempted lifesaving measures before he was transported to hospital and pronounced dead

Family described Malone as a ‘kind, caring’ and ‘devoted’ husband and father ‘who had completely turned his life around’ in the last few years

Malone had also allegedly left the safe swim area of the lake, according to the outlet.

A fundraiser for Malone’s family was created by his wife Tabatha’s cousin. 

According to the SupportNow, Malone was attempting to keep his son afloat amid the tragic drowning. 

‘He was a devoted husband and father who had completely turned his life around over the past few years,’ family said on the fundraiser. 

‘He was kind, caring, and always willing to help others. His wife and children were the center of his world.’  

The Daily Mail reached out to the Shiawassee County Sheriff’s Office, Owosso Police, Owosso Fire, and Michigan State Police for comment.