Texas teens arrested after high school swimmer drowns — allegedly tossing his cellphone and clothes

nypost.com

Two teenagers have been arrested following the drowning of a high school swimmer at a Texas lake, after allegedly tossing his belongings and deleting evidence from his cell phone.

Daniel Erving, 18, a swim team member and honor roll student, died after he and two friends jumped off a railroad bridge into Lake Ray Hubbard in the eastern suburbs of Dallas.

His body was recovered from the lake four days later, and a medical examiner determined he died from an accidental drowning.

Daniel Erving and his mother smiling for a photo.

18-year-old Daniel Erving died after he and two friends jumped off a railroad bridge into Lake Ray Hubbard near Dallas, Texas. Family Handout

Lucas Roper, 19, and a juvenile suspect, 17, allegedly failed to report their friend’s death and later disposed of Erving’s clothing and cellphone, according to the Dallas Police Department.

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The pair were arrested on charges of tampering with physical evidence, a third-degree felony, police told ABC News Monday.

After the teen drowned, Roper and the juvenile fled the scene, and Roper allegedly threw Erving’s clothing into a tree line near the bridge, according to an arrest affidavit seen by the outlet.

The juvenile also threw Erving’s cellphone from the vehicle on Roper’s orders, the affidavit alleges.

Roper allegedly deleted communications with Erving from his cellphone because he “was aware that there would be an investigation into Daniel Erving’s death and he did not want to get into trouble,” the affidavit states.

Roper allegedly admitted he “panicked” after Erving drowned during a voluntary interview with detectives.

Lucas Roper's mugshot after being charged with tampering with evidence.

Lucas Roper and an underage suspect are accused of disposing of Erving’s belongings and deleting evidence from his cellphone. Dallas County Jail

A red and gray Dallas Fire-Rescue boat moving through water.

Erving’s body was recovered from the lake, and a medical examiner determined he died from an accidental drowning. ABC 11

The case remains under investigation.