27-Year-Old Cleveland Worker Dies After Paddleboarding Rescue at Headlands Beach
27-Year-Old Cleveland Worker Dies After Paddleboarding Rescue at Headlands Beach
It was just before 5 p.m. on Sunday, August 24, 2025, when Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) officers received a distress call at Headlands Beach State Park. A paddleboarder, later identified as Ellen Baker, had gone underwater outside the designated swimming area. The popular lakeside spot, known for its scenic shores along Lake Erie, was bustling with late-summer visitors, but the mood shifted as emergency responders sprang into action. First responders reached Baker quickly, pulling her from the water and rushing her to a nearby hospital. Despite their efforts, she passed away on Monday morning, August 25, leaving a void in the hearts of those who knew her.
The Lake County Coroner’s Office confirmed Baker’s identity and age but noted that her death remains under investigation. Details about what led to her going underwater are sparse, with no clear indication of whether equipment failure, strong currents, or other factors played a role. The incident, though, serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a recreational outing can turn perilous, even in familiar waters.
A Rising Star at City Hall
Ellen Baker wasn’t just a paddleboarder enjoying a summer day; she was a dedicated professional whose work touched countless lives in Cleveland. As an asset redevelopment senior specialist for the city, the 27-year-old brought passion and purpose to her role. Jeff Epstein, the city’s chief of integrated development, spoke of her impact in a heartfelt statement: We are extremely saddened to learn about this tragedy. Ellen was a true leader and friend to many people not just here at City Hall, but also in the community. She came to work with compassion in her heart wanting to help the residents of Cleveland every single day.
Colleagues described Baker as someone who approached her job with a rare blend of dedication and warmth. Her work in asset redevelopment involved revitalizing Cleveland’s neighborhoods, a role that required vision and a deep commitment to public service. Friends in the community echoed this sentiment, noting her ability to connect with people and inspire those around her. Her untimely death has left City Hall reeling, with tributes pouring in for a young woman whose potential seemed limitless.
The Dangers Lurking in Lake Erie
Headlands Beach, Ohio’s largest natural sand beach, draws thousands each summer for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. But Lake Erie, despite its beauty, can be unforgiving. The same weekend Baker drowned, two brothers were swept away by rip currents elsewhere on the lake, their bodies later recovered. These incidents highlight the unpredictable nature of open water, where conditions can shift rapidly. Just like you don’t know what’s going to happen when you go out in the water, and so it’s really important to be prepared for anything, said an ODNR spokesperson in a related report, emphasizing the need for vigilance.
Paddleboarding, while increasingly popular, carries unique risks. Unlike swimming, where one can more easily adjust to currents or fatigue, paddleboarders are often at the mercy of their balance and equipment. Falling off a board in rough waters, especially without a life jacket, can lead to exhaustion or disorientation. Baker’s incident occurred outside the swimming area, where oversight from lifeguards is limited, raising questions about whether clearer boundaries or safety measures could prevent future tragedies.
A Call for Stronger Safety Measures
Baker’s death is part of a troubling pattern of water-related incidents across the U.S. In 2025 alone, Lake Michigan reported over 30 drownings, with high waves and rip currents often cited as culprits. A separate incident in Colorado saw a father perish while paddleboarding with his children, who were saved thanks to life jackets. Any time of the year that you are recreating in the water is a dangerous time in Colorado, because in early summer and late spring you have water temperatures that are cooler, so when you go into the water it can be kind of a shock to your system, noted Kara Van Hoose of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. While it’s unclear if Baker was wearing a life jacket, such cases underscore the importance of personal flotation devices, even for strong swimmers.
Experts urge several precautions for paddleboarders: always wear a life jacket, check weather and water conditions, stay within designated areas, and never go alone. The PaddleSafe campaign, launched by Paddle UK and the RNLI, emphasizes these steps, aiming to standardize safety protocols after tragedies like the 2021 Haverfordwest incident in Wales, where four paddleboarders died due to inadequate supervision and hazardous conditions. In Baker’s case, the ongoing investigation may shed light on whether similar measures could have made a difference.
A Community Mourns and Reflects
The loss of Ellen Baker has rippled through Cleveland, where she was more than a city employee—she was a friend, a leader, and a beacon of kindness. Social media posts from colleagues and community members reflect a shared sense of shock and sorrow, with many calling for moments of silence and support for her family. The city’s statement didn’t disclose personal details about Baker’s life outside work, but her role in redevelopment suggests a young woman invested in building a better future for her community. Her absence leaves a gap that will be felt deeply.
This tragedy also prompts broader reflection on how communities balance recreation with safety. Headlands Beach, like many public parks, is a cherished space for relaxation, but incidents like this highlight the need for better education and resources. Should parks post clearer warnings about non-swimming areas? Could lifeguard patrols extend further? These questions linger as Cleveland mourns one of its own.
Moving Forward with Lessons Learned
As the investigation into Baker’s death continues, her story serves as both a heartbreak and a call to action. For paddleboarders and water enthusiasts, her loss is a sobering reminder to prioritize safety, from wearing life jackets to checking weather forecasts. For Cleveland, it’s a moment to honor a young woman who dedicated her career to lifting others up. While the details of that Sunday evening remain under scrutiny, the legacy of Ellen Baker—her compassion, her leadership, and her light—endures in the community she served. As summer fades, her story urges us all to hold loved ones close and approach the water with respect for its unpredictable power.