From Valleynewslive · · 1m 10s
8-year-old saves toddler from drowning at Bass Lake
An Underwood boy's quick thinking prevented tragedy when a 3-year-old fell into the water.
In brief
An Underwood boy's quick thinking prevented tragedy when a 3-year-old fell into the water. An 8-year-old's immediate action and bravery saved a toddler's life at a public lake access point. Originally reported by Valleynewslive.
Boy honored for lake rescue
Otter Tail County Sheriff Barry Fitzgibbons presented an 8-year-old Underwood boy with a Letter of Commendation for saving a toddler from Bass Lake.
Toddler falls into water
On July 19, 2026, a 3-year-old child fell into Bass Lake at the public access in Underwood while Kingsley Espitia was fishing from the dock.
Kingsley acts without hesitation
While others hadn't yet realized what was happening, Kingsley immediately recognized the danger and jumped into the water fully clothed to pull the child out.
Child brought to safety
Kingsley pulled the struggling toddler from the water and brought him safely back to shore, preventing what could have been a tragedy.
“prevented a potentially tragic outcome”
Sheriff praises young hero
Sheriff Fitzgibbons said Kingsley's quick thinking and willingness to act at such a young age prevented a potentially tragic outcome and made a real difference that day.
“He truly made a difference that day.”
The one thing
An 8-year-old's immediate action and bravery saved a toddler's life at a public lake access point.
