Minnesota attorney, 51, drowns on vacation with his family in Puerto Rico after getting into trouble in strong currents following a surfing lesson

A loving dad drowned in Puerto Rico in front of his family following a surf lesson along a popular beach. 

Benjamin 'Ben' James King, 51, an attorney from New Prague, Minnesota, was with his family at La Pared beach in Luquillo for a lesson with a professional. 

After the lessons ended, King was wading in chest-deep water and started to struggle as the riptide became stronger. A tourist swam out and brought King back to shore. Three other tourists gave King CPR until medics arrived, and rushed him to the closest hospital.

His heartbreaking obituary details how he leaves behind a wife along with two children. 

'Most important to him was investing his time and talents to be the best dad ever - always present, always engaged, always so proud of their accomplishments and who they are growing up to be,' the obituary read. 

Benjamin 'Ben' James King, 51, an attorney from New Prague, Minnesota, drowned in Puerto Rico while on vacation with is family

King, 51, an attorney from New Prague, Minnesota , was with his family at La Pared beach in Luquillo for a lesson with a professional. After it ended, he struggled against the current and drowned 

He is survived by his wife, Scott County District Court Judge Colleen G. King, and their children, Aidan and Molly.

'Their bond was a testament to love, partnership, and mutual respect, and was evident to anyone who encountered the two of them together,' the obituary read. 'While they shared a professional love in the practice of law, their true and amazing talents together are reflected in the raising of their fantastic children.

King coached the girls' sports teams and cheered on the New Prague High School Trojans. 

The soon-to-be 52-year-old was born in Milwaukee and graded from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. he then went to law school at the Hamline University School of Law.

He worked both in private practice and as a public defender during his law career. 

'Ben was well respected within the legal community where he will be remembered for his professionalism, passion for the law, intelligence, humor, fairness, compassion for his clients, and hard work.'

He is survived by his wife, Scott County District Court Judge Colleen G. King, and their children, Aidan and Molly

King coached the girls' sports teams and cheered on the New Prague High School Trojans. Pictured: surfing classes in Luquillo, Puerto Rico

Family said that friendships were important to King and he loved to get together for sporting events including seeing the Green Bay Packers and the University of Wisconsin Badgers. Pictured: La Pared beach 

Family said that friendships were important to King and he loved to get together for sporting events including seeing the Green Bay Packers and the University of Wisconsin Badgers. 

When not watching sports, King was an avid fisherman having caught the bug for the hobby in his youth. He also loved to spending time outdoors and hunting. 

'While in high school and college, he would take fishing trips with his friends, but also, he would just love to go out by himself to his beloved Fish Lake for lunker bass - and bring home fishing stories to his family, who generally did not know what he was talking about but they all knew and understood this was one of his favorite past times, he was hooked for life!' his obituary stated. 

King was always one who never met a stranger and loved to chat with anybody and everybody he could find. 

'He loved to tell stories or share his experiences, but more inspiringly, he was more interested to learn of your experiences - but if your stories were not comprehensive enough for him, he could then take the lead and all of sudden a simple catch-up could extend to something much more involved - but nobody minded (most of the time!)' his family noted. 

'He commonly would end these exchanges with a firm handshake or hug and kind words, leaving you with the feeling this connection was very important to him - and then subsequently to you too.'

When he moved to New Prague he became hooked and spent time with local friends for a March Madness gathering.

'The local community is heart broken that he is gone and will miss him immensely,' the obituary noted. 

King's funeral is set for 12:30 p.m. Friday at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in New Prague.

King's death is the fifth tourist drowning on the Caribbean island this year, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune 

Local organizations on the island have called for a lifeguard corps to be established. At least 21 people drowned in Puerto Rico last year 

Although rip current drownings can happen anywhere from Puerto Rico to Alaska, the majority of the US deaths happen in Florida, according to a 2023 study 

King's death is the fifth tourist drowning on the Caribbean island this year, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.  

According to the local tourism authority of Puerto Rico, strong riptides are common in some of the beaches frequented by visitors.

King's death, along with tourists that have died before him from the currents, have reignited discussions about water safety.

Local organizations on the island have called for a lifeguard corps to be established. At least 21 people drowned in Puerto Rico last year.

El Nuevo Dia reports that Discover Puerto Rico, the main website for tourism for the Caribbean island, is reinforcing its initiative called 'Watch the Waves,' with the aim of guiding visitors about the maritime conditions on the island.

Ricardo Cortés Chico, a spokesperson for DMO, explained that the initiative began a year ago when other drownings were recorded in the country.

Although rip current drownings can happen anywhere from Puerto Rico to Alaska, the majority of the US deaths happen in Florida, according to a 2023 study.