Officer Toalua "Charlie" Aumua, a respected member of the Temple Police Department, tragically drowned while enjoying time off with his family at Belton Lake on Friday morning.
According to KCEN TV, authorities recovered his body nearly 24 hours after a call to emergency services reported a possible drowning near the Freedom Boat Club on Cedar Ridge Park Road.
The incident occurred on August 1, 2025, at a popular lake area located in Bell County, Texas. A 911 call was placed that morning, prompting a rapid response by multiple local agencies. The Belton Lake area, which is commonly used for recreation during the summer months, quickly became the center of a search and recovery mission.
Officials from the Williamson County Sheriff's Office and the Texas Game Wardens were among the first responders to arrive at the site. In order to coordinate their efforts and preserve the integrity of the scene, law enforcement teams restricted public access to areas of Westcliff Park. A command post was set up to manage the search operations.
The dive team from the nearby Morgan's Point Resort joined the response effort by beginning an underwater search for the missing officer. As hours passed without confirmation of the man's location, concerns grew among both the public and the law enforcement community.
Recovery Operation Concludes Nearly 24 Hours Later
On Saturday, August 2, 2025, nearly a full day after the initial call for help, the body of Officer Aumua was located by divers and recovered from the water. The Bell County Sheriff's Office confirmed the discovery and identified the man based on assistance from the Temple Police Department. Officer Aumua had been spending time with loved ones when the accident took place. According to officials, he was off duty at the time and not engaged in any official capacity. The nature of the incident led to an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding his drowning.
An autopsy has been requested to determine the precise cause of death, though preliminary indications are consistent with an accidental drowning. Authorities are continuing their investigation in compliance with standard procedures for such incidents.
Officer Aumua’s Service and Community Impact
Aumua served the Temple Police Department for five years after joining in August 2020. During his tenure, he earned a reputation for excellence, having been chosen as Temple Police Officer of the Year in 2023. His work included assignments as a field training officer and as part of the department’s SWAT team.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Aumua was known for his dedication to public service. He received two separate life-saving commendations during his career, reflecting his commitment to helping those in critical need. His colleagues described him as a devoted officer and a dependable teammate. Chief Shawn Reynolds of the Temple Police Department addressed the public following the tragic news. He expressed condolences to Aumua’s loved ones, praising his character and contributions to the force. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Aumua Family,” Reynolds said in a statement.
Community Mourns the Loss of Public Servant
In his remarks, Reynolds offered a deeply personal tribute to the late officer. “Charlie was not only an excellent police officer, perhaps more importantly, he was a good person and a good man,” he said. Reynolds added that Aumua’s religious beliefs played a significant role in his life and relationships within the department.
The chief also urged the press and community to give the family space during their time of mourning. “I would ask that the media respect the family’s privacy as they grieve,” he said. He also noted the profound sense of loss felt across the department and among friends of the officer. Temple police described Aumua as someone whose leadership and empathy made a lasting difference. His influence stretched beyond his official duties, with colleagues noting his “heart for service and love for people” as defining qualities.
Next Steps and Continuing Investigation
Officials confirmed that the investigation remains open as specialists work to piece together a clear account of the events that led to the drowning. While the incident appears accidental, authorities are reviewing all available evidence as part of standard protocol.
Aumua’s remains have been transported from the scene and will undergo further examination by forensic experts. Initial timelines suggest results from the autopsy may be available in the coming days, which will help refine the official cause of death.
In the meantime, Temple officials have not announced memorial plans but have indicated that tributes are expected in recognition of Aumua’s contributions to public safety. As the community continues to process the loss, tributes and condolences are likely to continue pouring in from departments across the region.
