A tragic incident occurred at Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia on Thursday, resulting in the death of an 18-year-old from Colorado. According to the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office, authorities received a report of a possible drowning in the early hours of the morning.
Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that two individuals jumped into the water to assist the victim, Jesse Hamric, a recent graduate of Steamboat Springs High School. Although they felt a shock, the two rescuers were able to pull Hamric out of the water and perform CPR until emergency responders arrived.
Hamric was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. The two individuals who attempted to save him were treated at the scene and released. The medical examiner will conduct an autopsy to determine the exact cause of Hamric’s death.
The incident occurred while Hamric’s family was on vacation at the lake. As officials investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, concerns have been raised about stray voltage at the lake. Neil Harrington, a retired volunteer with the Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire Rescue and the Saunders Vol. Fire Department, noted that stray voltage has been an issue at the lake for some time.
Stray voltage, defined by HomeSpec as “a potential current in the water,” can cause electrocution when a person comes into contact with a grounded object while in the water. The site also notes that drowning often occurs when the body is paralyzed and unable to bring its head above water, and that the shock can also cause the heart to stop.
The investigation into Hamric’s death is ongoing, with officials working to determine if electrocution and drowning were the causes of his tragic demise.
