Man drowns during baptism in a lake in Guatemala

What was supposed to be a spiritual celebration turned into tragedy on Lake Atitlán, Guatemala. A group of parishioners from an evangelical church from Chichicastenango, Quiché, arrived at the lake's shore to perform a baptism ceremony, a symbolic act where believers commit their lives to the Christian faith. However, the event ended in the worst possible way when one of the participants lost his life while trying to rescue his companions.

Witnesses reported that the group performed the ceremony under the guidance of church leaders. At one point, five people were on the shore of the lake, two of them holding the person to be consecrated. As the water submerged, the three lost their balance, as the area they were standing in proved to be deeper than expected. They all immediately sank, sparking panic among those present.

Miguel Sut Mejía, a 45-year-old servant of God from Xeabaj Segundo, Quiché, was observing the ceremony and, upon noticing the emergency, ran to help. Miguel managed to grab some of the victims, but was eventually dragged along with them into the depths of the lake.

The desperate screams of witnesses alerted neighbors, boatmen, and volunteer firefighters from San Lucas Tolimán, who jumped into the water to try to save the believers.

Four people were rescued alive thanks to the quick intervention of rescuers and neighbors. Sadly, Miguel Sut did not make it out alive. His body was later recovered after intensive search efforts.

On social media and in the communities of Quiché, where Miguel was known for his sermons and devotion, expressions of condolence were quick to pour in. Shared photographs show the man as a dedicated servant of God, respected by his neighbors and fellow believers.

Local authorities announced they will investigate the accident to determine whether adequate safety measures were taken during the ceremony.