BREAKING: Wife Reveals Laurel River Lake Drowning Was Suicide, Not Accident
A tragic drowning at Laurel River Lake that stunned visitors just days ago has now been revealed as a heartbreaking case of suicide. The victim’s wife, in a public and emotional statement, confirmed that 42-year-old Alfonzo Sanchez-Gonzalez intentionally took his own life on June 2 near the popular Spillway Beach area.
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🕯️ The Incident
Sanchez-Gonzalez, of Lexington, was reported missing in the water by beachgoers just after noon on Saturday. Witnesses say he had entered the lake alone for a swim, but after a few minutes, he went under and didn’t resurface. Several people rushed to assist, pulling him from the water and administering CPR until emergency responders arrived. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead shortly after being transported to a local hospital.
Initial reports from the Whitley County Coroner’s Office classified the death as an accidental drowning.
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đź’” Wife Speaks Out
On Tuesday, Sanchez-Gonzalez’s wife released a statement that redefined the nature of his death:
> “Alfonzo was fighting battles most people never saw. He told me that morning he was tired—tired of the pain, the silence, the pretending. He chose the lake because it brought him peace in better times.”
She also revealed the discovery of a farewell note, found in his car at the lake’s edge. In it, Alfonzo wrote that he “needed the pain to stop” and that he was “returning to the only place that ever truly calmed” his mind.
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🧠Mental Health at the Forefront
The family’s decision to speak publicly about the suicide has sparked a wave of conversation about mental health, depression, and the silent suffering of many adults—especially men in rural and working-class communities.
Local therapist Carla Jennings, who has worked with families in Whitley and Laurel counties, noted:
> “Too often, mental illness hides behind a strong face. This tragedy underscores the importance of asking hard questions, checking in, and erasing the stigma around seeking help.”
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🕊️ A Quiet Memorial
Friends and family are planning a private ceremony along the shoreline at Laurel River Lake this weekend. The family has requested that instead of flowers, contributions be made to mental health organizations, particularly those serving Kentucky’s underserved counties.
