AUSTIN, TX – The serene waters of Lady Bird Lake have become the focal point of a chilling mystery that has captured public attention. With a total of 38 bodies discovered in or near the lake since 2022, rumors of a potential serial killer have been swirling. However, authorities remain steadfast in their belief that these deaths are not connected.
Data reveals that of the 38 bodies found, 30 were male, with approximately 60% between the ages of 30 and 49. Among the deceased, only two were teenagers, including a body found earlier this week. This recent case involved a paddleboarder who noticed a body floating in the lake, prompting a swift response from law enforcement.
The body, still unidentified, is suspected to be that of a teenager who disappeared on Sunday while kayaking and paddleboarding with family. According to police, he had disembarked to stand in shallow waters but unknowingly ventured near an underwater shelf, a hidden hazard that led to his disappearance. His backpack and life jacket were found on the paddleboard, and the clothing matched that of the missing teenager.
This incident marks the seventh body discovered in Lady Bird Lake in 2025 alone. The majority of deaths over the past three years have been attributed to accidental drownings, followed by suicides, drug overdoses, and natural causes. Only one case has been classified as a murder, and several cases remain unresolved with unknown causes.
Despite the unsettling frequency of these occurrences, the Austin Police Department has consistently emphasized the absence of any evidence linking the deaths. Officials dismiss any notion of foul play, reassuring the public that there are no signs of trauma in the recent discoveries.