A 27-year-old man is dead after drowning in a private pond in North Windham Sunday afternoon.
Rescue crews were called to a man made pond on the site of Donohue construction around 3:00 p.m.
According to the victim's girlfriend, the father of four was in the water for about 5 minutes when he suddenly went under.
"He's wonderful with my daughters...he's so wonderful," said Alicia Thorne.
Alicia and her boyfriend, Jamell Boone went down to the man made bond near Baker Road for a quick swim when just feet from the shore, Boone began to struggle.
"I went to swim towards him, he grabbed my leg and I couldn't hold any longer cause it was so deep," Alicia said.
Alicia and Boone's daughter ran for help. A friend of the couple quickly jumped into the water.
"I dove down, I found him and I said I have him he's sliding out of my arms..." Beth Duncan said.
First responders went into the water and retrieved Boone. His family says he was under water for more than an hour.
Bonne's sister, Quinnisha lives on Baker Street, which sits adjacent to the private property.
"He's just the funniest person you could ever meet. He's a great father, " said Owens.
Boone was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The North Windham Fire Department and divers from Tolland County responded.