GoFundMe fundraiser created for Lexington family after officials say man likely drowned in Lake Cumberland

A GoFundMe fundraiser has been created for the family of a Lexington man officials say was likely drowned in Lake Cumberland, according to a local report published Wednesday by WKYT.

The report says the man, identified as Andy Schmidt, was one of two men who drowned in separate incidents over the weekend in Lake Cumberland. Officials have not said the incident involved criminal activity, and the reported characterization remains “likely drowned,” reflecting the ongoing nature of the investigation and recovery process.

The fundraiser is intended to help Schmidt’s family with expenses and day-to-day needs tied to the death. GoFundMe pages are commonly used by families to cover costs that can include funeral and memorial expenses, travel for relatives, and other short-term burdens that can arise after a sudden tragedy.

While officials’ wording in the report indicates uncertainty about the cause pending investigation, the setup of a public relief effort suggests the family and community are preparing for immediate financial and logistical needs. In Kentucky, these kinds of campaigns often operate alongside any official findings from public safety agencies and any subsequent determinations about what factors contributed to the fatality.

WKYT’s report also places the drowning within the broader context of multiple fatal incidents on Lake Cumberland over the same weekend, underscoring public safety concerns around water recreation in late summer. Kentucky waterways frequently draw large numbers of boaters, swimmers, and anglers during peak season.

As more information becomes available through official channels, the family’s fundraiser may continue to be updated to reflect changes in the investigation, including any confirmation of identification, timeline clarification, and whether any additional information about the circumstances of the drowning will be released to the public.