Pewaukee Lake drowning victim identified as Hamilton High School student

Updated: July 1, 2025

PEWAUKEE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A 17-year-old boy who drowned in Pewaukee Lake Sunday was identified Monday as Messiah Beamon-Perry.

According to the Hamilton School District, Messiah would have been a senior at Hamilton High School this fall. 

Johnny Ferreira lives in Menomonee Falls and has been coming to Pewaukee Lake since he was a kid.

“It’s really sad and somber," Ferreira said. “Seeing that a young man lost his life, I can’t imagine what the family is going through.”

Ferreira says there have been instances where the weeds in the lake have hindered his swimming.

“Every now and then I’ll be swimming out there- and I consider myself a pretty strong swimmer- when those weeds kind of get a hold of your feet; it gets a little worrisome," Ferreira said.

Years after coming with parents, Ferreira often brings his kids to Pewaukee Lake.

“I just try and get them to maybe take a lesson from it and hopefully nothing like this ever happens again here," Ferreira said.

Hamilton High School says members of their student services team will be available Tuesday for anyone in need of support. 

Published: June 29, 2025

PEWAUKEE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Village of Pewaukee Police Department says a 17-year-old is dead after jumping into Pewaukee Lake on Sunday, June 29. 

Officials say they responded to a 911 call around 12:07 a.m. after a caller reported their friend had jumped into the lake and had not resurfaced.

The officers, Pewaukee Fire Department, and the Western Lakes Dive Team responded to the lakefront fishing pier, in the 200 block of West Wisconsin Avenue.

Police say they located the victim in approximately eight feet of water. 

Despite lifesaving measures, the victim was pronounced dead. 

The investigation remains ongoing. Officials say alcohol does not appear to be a factor.