Brenham Man Drowns in Private Lake Near Oldenburg

Fayette County Sheriff Keith Korenek reports on Friday, May 13, at approximately noon, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office responded to a property on Bauer Road in regard to a possible drowning.

Sheriff Korenek reports that two males, ages 72 and 73, were fishing on a private lake located just north of Bauer Road, about one mile east of SH 159 in Oldenburg. The boat overturned and both men began swimming for the shore when one of the males went under and could not be found. 

The Sheriff’s Dispatch notified first responders from the Round Top-Warrenton Fire Department, Fayette County Emergency Medical Services and Sheriff’s Deputies.  Also responding were the La Grange Fire Department and Game Wardens from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to assist with their rescue boats.

The La Grange Fire Department rescue boat began the search near where the fishing boat overturned. In a short amount of time the missing male, who was identified as 72 year old Wayde Hamrick of Brenham, was located under the water, deceased. 

According to the Brenham Banner-Press, Hamrick was semi-retired from a carrer in the insurance business. He was a civic leader in Brenham with involvement in the Brenham and Washington County Rotary Clubs, Washington County Chamber of Commerce, American Red Cross, Heritage Society of Washington County and First United Methodist Church of Brenham. Funeral services were set for 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 25, at First United Methodist Church in Brenham.