An amateur powerlifter drowned in a lake after taking a dip in scorching 30C heat - two days after his 22nd birthday.
Kristers 'Kris' Bednarskis was swimming at Bawsey Pits Country Park near King's Lynn, Norfolk, on Saturday morning when he got into difficulty.
Following a major search effort, his body was pulled from the water in front of his childhood friend Ilja Jevtusenkowas - who had rushed to the beauty spot after he heard what had happened.
"While we were waiting we saw the drone fly about and there was a moment I saw the drone go down and the boats going to that spot," he told The Sun.
"We were hoping it was a mistake and maybe he didn't drown."
Ilja said bystanders had initially tried to save Kris but lost sight of him.
Two rescue boats and four fire crews were deployed after the alarm was raised around 11.30am.
Kris had moved from Latvia with his family at age 13 and - having fallen in love with the gym had become a powerlifter a week before his death.
Ilja - who had attended a barbecue for his friend's birthday days before - said his friend was due to compete in January.
A GoFundMe has already raised £4,000 to help the family pay for Kris' funeral.
Paying tribute to his friend, Ilja said: "He was someone you could talk to about anything. He was always there for you if you needed a chat or anything."
Superintendent Malcolm Cooke from Norfolk Constabulary said colleagues from the local fire and rescue and ambulance services assisted officers in the search.
He confirmed the body of a man was pulled from the water and pronounced dead at the scene.
"Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family at this time," he added.
