Police: 14-year-old boy gets sucked inside drain at water park after 'dare'

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A Texas teenager was critically injured over the weekend when he was sucked into a water park drain.

Galveston County Sheriff Henry Troschessett told KTRK that it happened Saturday at the Fun Town Water Park in Crystal Beach.

"From my understanding, it might have been on a dare," Troschessett explained. "He's a large, 14-year-old, my size, 5'11", and he picked it (the grate) up, and when he did that, he slipped into the intake."

A park employee quickly shut the pipes off, and the teen was able to escape, but he suffered major internal injuries and was rushed to the hospital.

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"Sad, tragic situation for the family," Troschessett said. "I hope he's doing well. Prayers are going to be needed."

The teen's father is reportedly a volunteer firefighter and a fundraiser has been planned for Saturday at High Island High School.

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The water park owner said his heart goes out to the family, but declined to comment further.

Troschessett said officials are investigating how the teen was able to move the grate.

"Is there a way to put a lock on it, or some kind of device that screws it down so somebody is not able just to pick it up so easily," Troschessett said.