An unfortunate incident occurred yesterday when a man drowned in the Neuse River near Raleigh Beach, as Wake County officials confirmed. Responders from various departments, including the Knightdale Fire Department and the Raleigh Fire Department, were dispatched promptly after a water rescue call was reported around 4:25 p.m., according to information gathered by CBS17. Despite signs warning against swimming in the area, this tragic event marks another addition to the series of at least four drownings that occurred last spring and summer in the same location.
Witnesses at the scene told law enforcement that the man had gone under the water and did not resurface, leading to a swift response from the Raleigh police, Wake County deputies, and fire departments from Raleigh and Knightdale, as reported by WRAL News. The recovery effort apparently to last for about two hours, after which crews recovered the body of the drowning victim. Raleigh Beach has been identified as a popular swimming spot for families, despite its history of fatalities.
In an extensive multi-agency effort to locate and recover the victim, assets included boats, divers, and aerial support from Chopper 11, as described by ABC11. The recovery mission took place near the Neuse River Greenway Trail and involved the Wake Forest Fire Department, Wake County Emergency Management, Wake County EMS, Raleigh Police Department, and Raleigh Fire Department. As crews worked diligently from different vantage points, including from the bridge across the river, they urged the public to avoid the Raleigh Beach area for the time being.
The identity of the man who drowned has not been made public at this time. The Wake County Sheriff's Office was part of the coordination for this unfortunate recovery effort.
