LEXINGTON, Kentucky — In a heartbreaking turn of events, Noah Tinch, a 17-year-old resident of Lexington, died in a tragic fishing accident on Saturday afternoon, June 14, 2025. The teenager was fishing with friends at a popular local lake when the incident occurred.
Details from authorities indicate that while wading in shallow water, Noah slipped and became entangled in underwater vegetation. Despite the immediate efforts of his friends and emergency responders, he was unresponsive by the time he was rescued and later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
Noah was a junior at Lexington High School and a dedicated member of the school’s angling club. Friends and classmates remember him for his energetic spirit, love for the outdoors, and easygoing nature. “He had a knack for getting everyone pumped about fishing—his laugh was contagious,” recalled a close friend.
Dean of Students at Lexington High described Noah as “a bright, respectful young man with a generous heart and strong sense of camaraderie,” and noted that he was “always ready to help others.”
His death has prompted community discussions around water safety and the importance of caution while fishing in natural lakes. Local authorities are evaluating whether clearer signage or safety guidelines are needed at fishing spots.
A combined vigil and memorial service is planned for this Saturday evening at the lakeside area where Noah loved to fish, bringing together friends, family, and community members to honor his memory. Funeral services will follow and are being coordinated by a local Lexington funeral home; details will be shared publicly in the coming days.
Noah is survived by his parents, two younger siblings, grandparents, and a broad circle of friends who will miss his warmth, enthusiasm, and adventurous spirit.
This tragic accident serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly a routine day outdoors can turn into a devastating loss. Noah Tinch will be lovingly remembered for his passion for life, his connection to nature, and the positive impact he made on all who knew him.