Soldier from Fond du Lac drowns in New Mexico

Army soldier dies while swimming at lake

FOND DU LAC, Wis. — A U.S. Army soldier from Fond du Lac has died while swimming in New Mexico.

Spc. Rob Vande Zande was just 21. His wife, Sarah, is due to give birth to their daughter in November. Vande Zande is the oldest son of former Fond du Lac Councilman Rob Vande Zande, Sr.

Vande Zande says his son, daughter-in-law and three Army friends were at Elephant Butte Lake in Sierra County Saturday when his son disappeared while swimming. His body was recovered about 50 feet from shore.

The Reporter Media said the soldier was stationed at Fort Bliss in Texas after serving a year in Korea.