Wake Forest, NC – Officials conducted 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 deputies they were swimming near a rocky area of the lake, when the teenager called for help and was suddenly put underwater. One of the victim’s friends tried to rescue him, but was unsuccessful.
A Wake County sheriff’s crew deployed a few minutes after the call to begin the search, and at approximately 10:30 p.m., they located the body.
Eric Curry, with the Wake County Sheriff’s Office, says safety should come first when it’s on the water.
“Safety should always be the first thing you think about and not just have fun,” Curry said. “We come here too many times to disrespect the waters here on Lake Falls.”
A similar incident happened last year in the same area to a Wakefield High School football student and football player Davion Davis.
Curry says precautions need to be taken to prevent future tragedies.
“Be careful, be aware of where you are and wear a life jacket,” he said. “Whether you’re fishing or boating, or even walking on the water, you should always think about safety.”