What We Know After Removal Team Member Drowns in Oakland County Lake

ROSE TOWNSHIP, Michigan. – A moving crew member drowned in an Oakland County lake last weekend while taking a break to cool off.

Oakland County deputies were called to Taylor Lake in Rose Township at 11:07 a.m. on Saturday, July 20, 2024.

Marsalis Quintin Carter, 20, of Detroit and Tuskegee, Alabama, was part of a moving crew helping a Rose Township resident relocate, officials said.

When the moving crew took a break, they asked the homeowner if they could stand on the boat to cool off. The homeowner took them to the lake.

Carter and another man jumped into the water from the side of a pontoon boat, but Carter never resurfaced.

His body was found at 12:30 a.m. Sunday after a search that lasted more than 13 hours and involved at least 25 divers, Oakland County officials said, using sonar equipment because of poor visibility in the lake.

His body was found approximately 90 metres from shore, in 10 metres of water.

An autopsy revealed that the cause of death was drowning.

“I encourage people to wear a personal flotation device if they are not good swimmers when they go into the lake, as we have had numerous drownings this summer in similar situations,” said Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard. “Even if you are a good swimmer and have been drinking alcohol, it is a good idea.”