MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Riley County police say a 21-year-old Topeka man has drowned at a popular recreation area outside Manhattan.

Police say Anthony Bernard Strange Jr. drowned Saturday evening at Pillsbury Crossing, a state wildlife area about seven miles east of Manhattan. His body was recovered around 8:30 p.m., about an hour after authorities were called.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism said Monday in a news release that an autopsy will be performed and alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the death.

The department says Strange was trying to swim across the creek with friends when he started to have trouble. Witnesses tried unsuccessfully to find him after he went under near a sharp bend in the creek. Swimming is not allowed at the wildlife area.

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MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Riley County police say a man has drowned at a popular swimming area outside Manhattan.

Police say the man drowned Saturday evening at Pillsbury Crossing, a state wildlife area.

One witness, Jennifer Keelty, tells KSNT the man drowned in the area near the cliffs at the end of the main park trail. Keelty says she and her husband were kayaking and stopped to help search for the drowning victim.

The victim’s name hasn’t been released.

The wildlife area is about seven miles from Manhattan and is popular with campers, kayakers and bird watchers.