Washington Drowning Victim ID'd as Lakeville's Marcus "Fly" Henderson

A Lakeville man has been identified as the victim of a drowning in a lake near Tacoma, WA.

The body of Marcus "Fly" Henderson, 20, was pulled from the waters of Lake Tapps—a large recreational lake about 10 miles outside of Tacoma—on July 22 and identified by the Pierce County Medical Examiner.

In addition to being a resident, Henderson was a 2010 Farmington High School graduate and was also an aspiring hip-hop performer. He was best known as Fly Henderson to his legions of fans.

According to our sister site, Bonney Lake-Sumner Patch, on July 21, the vacationing Henderson was swimming in Lake Tapps with a female friend when he  Witnesses say the woman tried to help him but she slipped under herself. Another swimmer was able to pull her to shore but was unable to save Henderson.

East Pierce County rescue crews searched the lake for hours and, as it got late, used sonar detection to find him. He was recovered from the lake just before midnight on July 22.

Henderson's drowning caught many of his fans and family off guard. He had updated his Facebook page just two days before, announcing the release of a new mix album. Henderson also had a popular YouTube channel.

Patch user Amanda said Henderson was "talented and was chasing his dreams."

Since his death, friends and fans have been posting tributes on his Facebook wall.

"My deepest felt condolences and sympathy to his family and many friends and his girlfriend I am so very sadden from your pain. I enjoyed his music they played and from what I hear he was a warm, friendly and very happy, upbeat young man, so very & such a sad ending to a young life." - Lori Hayes

"You set out to make a name for yourself, and you did it. Forever respected, forever loved. RIP" -Tommy Shedore

"Fly You Will Truly Be Missed, R.I.P </3" - Kinah White

"it's still really tough to take in as a fan... like is this real?" - Bombest Nikii

"Rap In Paradise Bro. Didn't even know you personally, but i felt like i knew you just from your music. I was and still is a huge fan. Your music was always about people knowing who you are when you leave this earth. I can't think nothing but positive thoughts about this situation because you was such a wonderful person. God needed you more than we did. You touched the world. RIP FLY BOY &= We Love You!!" - Tay Thebeatkiller Breeze

"We love you fly !!!! Your music will always live on." - Niko Barrientez

On his website, Henderson said he drew his musical inspiration from a difficult childhood—his father was incarcerated and he moved several times as a young child. After his father was released from prision, Henderson spent as much time with him as possible, but he passed away on Henderson's 10th birthday.

He said "everything went downhill from there," and he started to get into trouble. But, he soon realized that, even though times are hard, "life goes on and so will he."

On his website, he details his philosophy as "PH8 – Fate", which is "the development of events beyond a person’s control, regarded as determined by a supernatural power." The key elements are loyalty, love, respect, knowledge and understanding.

"I (Fly Henderson) am the founder of this belief and I believe if more people follow my journey to the top through hard work and positivity with music they too can be inspired to do great things with what ever it is they do."

will have more on this story as it develops.