MATHIS, Texas — A family is mourning the loss of two of their members after they drowned in Lake Corpus Christi State Park Sunday.
On Monday, 29-year-old Pedro Aguirre's body was recovered from the lake. His 4-year-old son, Gabriel Aguirre was found early Tuesday morning.
Ricardo Villarreal is Pedro's uncle, who he describes was a kind person with a big heart and will be deeply missed.
"I just can't find the words for it right now because it hurts," Villarreal said. "It hurts that much, you know, this has happened to my family."
Villarreal said his family has enjoyed Lake Corpus Christi for over 50 years. They never thought something like this would happen.
"A lot of people say, 'How come they didn't have a lifejacket or what,' " he said. "They weren't that deep, you know. Well of course you know it's still dangerous, but he felt safe, he felt comfortable, he knew the waters. But that goes to show that even though we know, nature can still and nature did it."
Captain Ben Baker with Texas Parks and Wildlife said several factors contributed to this tragedy.
"Again no natural undertows, no natural undercurrents, no whirlpools," Baker said. "But the wind and the currents from the wind driven direction could have played a factor in this unfortunate event."
Baker said it's important to wear lifejackets in any body of water.
"Lake Corpus Christi is again no different than any other lake," he said. "But when the water levels recede there may be some unexpected drop offs, there might be some unexpected holes so to speak that swimmers are walking on the shore or are walking in the water, might unexpectedly go underwater."
Villarreal said his nephew was an amazing father to his son and his family thankful that the two will be laid to rest together.
"First off all, I like to thank them with all my heart and I thank them for not giving up," he said. "You know it was so important to make sure they found them, first off because at this point they wouldn't be at peace."