Wake Forest, NC – Authorities carried out a water rescue at the Falls Lake dam on Sunday, but were unable to prevent a 19-year-old man from drowning.
Witnesses who accompanied the victim told police that they were swimming near a rocky area of the lake when the teenager called for help and suddenly dived. One of the victim’s friends tried to rescue him, but was unsuccessful.
Wake County sheriff’s boat crew was dispatched minutes after the call to begin the search, and at approximately 10:30 pm, they located the body.
Eric Curry, of the Wake County Sheriff’s Office, says that safety should come first when you’re in the water.
“Safety should always be the first thing you think about, not just having fun,” said Curry. “We have come here many times for not respecting the waters here at Falls Lake.”
A similar incident happened last year in the same area with a student at Wakefield High School and football player Davion Davis.
Curry says care must be taken to avoid future tragedies.
“Be careful, be aware of where you are and wear a life jacket,” he said. “Whether you’re fishing or on a boat, which is mandatory, or even wading in the water, you should always think about safety first.”