LITTLE ELM, Texas (WFAA) – A Texas family is mourning the loss of their son.
The 29-year-old died while kayaking on a lake.
Before he died, his father says he made one final call.
Troy and Pam Zinszer recently revisited their adventurous son’s favorite path. It was hard for them to look at his favorite spot on Lewisville Lake.
Two weekends earlier, their son Taryn Zinszer, who goes by Taz, went kayaking.
“He was just chilling. I’m sure he probably saw the sunset right before. The water was a little choppy that night and it was getting dark,” Pam Zinszer remembered.
At around 9 p.m., the 29-year-old from Little Elm called his father in a panic with words Troy Zinszer will never forget.
“‘I’m in the middle of the lake and I don’t think I can make it,‘” Troy Zinszer said. “He goes, I’m floating towards the toll bridge, but I don’t think I’m going to make it.’ He says, ‘Dad, I’m so sorry,’ and then the phone went dead.”
That’s the last time he heard from his son.
“I’ve always been able to rescue him,” Troy Zinszer said.
The parents, along with law enforcement, searched the lake.
It was windy.
Taz Zinszer told his father that his kayak flipped over.
The Lewisville Fire Department recovered his body; he was wearing a life jacket.
The man’s parents said he loved his family, dirt bikes and motorcycles.
“I just love him so much and I miss him so much,” Troy Zinszer said.
Their faith and memories are all that bring comfort.
“I can’t wait to see him again,” Troy Zinszer said.
The area’s medical examiner’s office says a cause of death for Taz Zinszer is still pending.
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