Fort Hood soldier from New York drowns in Texas lake

SALADO, Texas – A soldier from New York stationed at Fort Hood has drowned while swimming with friends at a Central Texas lake.

Authorities identified the victim as 25-year-old Pfc. Christopher Kent Heinz of Lockport, N.Y.

Bell County officials say Heinz was with friends Sunday morning at Stillhouse Hollow Lake near Salado when he disappeared while trying to swim across a cove. Divers recovered his body Sunday afternoon.

Heinz joined the Army in January 2012. He was assigned to Company C, 3rd Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood.