A teenager died Sunday after drowning in Jordan Lake, according to the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office on Monday. The incident prompted the office to share several water safety tips people are encouraged to keep in mind over the Labor Day holiday and beyond.

A release from the sheriff’s office said an “unfortunate” incident took place around 5:30 p.m., as a 13-year-old from Stanly County did not resurface while swimming near Jordan Lake’s Parkers Creek Beach — a popular visitors area off U.S. Highway 64 in Pittsboro. Chatham County authorities publicly identified the victim as Kevin Lopez, who lived in Locust, and determined there were no signs of foul play involved in his death.

“Our hearts go out to the victim’s family,” said Sheriff Mike Roberson. “This unfortunate incident serves as a poignant reminder that water safety should always be a top priority, especially during holiday weekends when waterways are bustling with activity.”

According to the sheriff’s office, Sunday’s incident marks the ninth drowning in Jordan Lake this year. Other drownings reported by office in 2023 included a 15-year-old who drowned after being stranded on a broken jet ski in March and a 73-year-old man who did not resurface while swimming with friends in early August.

With this latest incident, Roberson urged community members using Jordan Lake to wear life jackets as much as possible while swimming or out on the water.

“Wearing a life jacket is a simple and effective way to reduce the risk of accidents while enjoying the water,” the sheriff said. “We want everyone to enjoy the water, have fun, and fellowship, but water can be dangerous if we do not prepare for the hazards it can create. Our goal is to ensure that those enjoying the lake return home safely.”

Additionally, the sheriff’s office recommended that groups always have a designated adult responsible for watching children near water, for people to stay in designated swimming areas, and to avoid alcohol or impairing drugs while participating in water activities.

Monday’s release comes as the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office is continuing an investigation into another body it recovered from Jordan Lake in the last week. The body of a woman was found at the Farrington Point Boat Ramp on Tuesday, with investigators later revealing her death is being treated as a homicide. A forensic sketch of the victim was shared to receive the public’s help in identifying the victim. A spokesperson for the sheriff’s office said Sunday that while many people had reached out with potential information on the woman, no positive identification has been made yet.

 

Photo via WNCT.

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