A tragic incident unfolded on the 4th of July at Smith Mountain Lake outside Roanoke, Virginia, where Jesse Hamric, 18, lost his life after jumping into an electrified lake during celebrations.
According to reports, Hamric dove into the water early Thursday morning, prompting immediate concern from friends who felt shocks upon entering the lake to rescue him.
Despite sustaining minor injuries themselves, they managed to retrieve Hamric from the water. CPR was initiated by one friend while another called for emergency assistance.
Rescue crews arrived around 4 a.m. and rushed Hamric to a hospital, but tragically, he succumbed to the incident. His two friends, who also suffered minor injuries, were treated accordingly.
Fire crews investigating the scene detected electrical currents in the water where Hamric was found.
Authorities determined that stray voltage from a nearby private residence’s dock caused the tragic incident. No foul play is suspected in Hamric’s death.
Hamric, who had recently graduated from high school in May, was visiting friends with his family at the time of the accident.
He was remembered for his achievements on the football and baseball teams, with friends describing him as a unique individual who always had a smile on his face.
“I still can’t even process it. I’m so upset by it,” said Hamric’s friend Alex Schwab, reflecting on the loss.
The community mourns the loss of Jesse Hamric, a young man whose life was cut short in a devastating and unforeseen accident.
