The Burke County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a local individual at Lake James State Park. The deceased, identified as 76-year-old Presley Junior Jaynes of Morganton, was discovered by park visitors after they noticed someone floating in the water on Friday evening.

According to WBTV, the authorities were alerted to the situation at around 8:10 p.m. The first responders arrived to find that the individual was not breathing, prompting the involvement of multiple law enforcement agencies to quickly to assist park rangers in the response. The efforts of those present bore no fruit; Jaynes was pronounced dead at the scene.

Further details regarding the incident are limited as the investigation proceeds. It remains unclear how Jaynes came to be in the water and the cause of death has yet to be determined.

As the story unfolded, WCNC revealed that the event occurred shortly before 8:15 p.m., with park visitors playing a crucial role by alerting the authorities after they found Jaynes unresponsive. The investigation by the local sheriff’s office is expected to bring to light further details about the circumstances of Jaynes’s death.

No immediate evidence has suggested foul play, however, the sheriff’s office has not released any definitive conclusions. They have also not currently provided information on whether Jaynes had been reported missing prior to the discovery of his body. The public has been asked to await further information as the authorities continue to carefully investigate every lead. In a statement obtained by WSOCTV, the Burke County Sheriff's Office is calling for anyone with potential information to come forward to aid in the ongoing investigation.