Body recovered at Hamilton Pool

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas (KXAN) - Recovery teams found the body of a 22-year-old University of Texas student Sunday morning who drowned at Hamilton Pool.

The popular out-of-the-way swimming hole west of Austin has always been "Swim at Your Own Risk." However, the victim's father thinks that risk is too high.

"He was a fine citizen, a fine son," said father Don Cho.

Cho spoke about his son Peter with great pride. A promising future ahead of him, his son was about to graduate from UT next month and was accepted to five different medical schools.

"You could not ask for more from a son," said Cho. "It breaks my heart. I cannot believe this is happening to my family."

Peter was swimming in Hamilton Pool with his younger brother and several UT friends Saturday when he went underwater and never surfaced.

Without lifeguards or cell phone reception, it took awhile for his friends to get help. It is something this father wants to see changed.

"Even if something happens down there, you cannot call 911," said Cho. "I can't believe this is happening in my state, Texas"

Travis County Sheriff's Public Information Officer Roger Wade said divers found the body in 22 feet of water at the bottom of the pool.

"I'm surprised it hasn't happened already to be quite honest with you," said Wade.

Wade spoke about the dangers of swimming at the pool and the risks swimmers take when they get in the water.

"Many times swimmers will get into the water and underestimate their abilities, and that's what it appears to be in this case," said Wade.

On this Easter Sunday, the Cho family will rely on their faith to get them through this tragedy.

"I think the faith is going to pull us through, and we're going to stand strong," said Cho.