An evening on Lake James ended in tragedy Saturday when rescue crews recovered the body of an 18-year-old near Linville Dam after an hours-long search that drew multiple local agencies to the water. Family members have been notified, and the Burke County Sheriff's Office has opened an investigation into the death.
According to WBTV, Burke County Emergency Services said the search started around 6:30 p.m., after several callers reported that someone had gone into the water near a popular rock face and never resurfaced. Water-rescue teams located the victim shortly after 9 p.m., and officials later identified him as 18-year-old Austin Washington of Lincolnton.
Search and response
The Charlotte Observer reports that responders from roughly a dozen rescue and law-enforcement agencies converged on the area west of the Duke Energy water intake at Linville Dam. Crews asked boaters on the lake and drivers nearby to steer clear while they worked. According to the Observer, teams found the swimmer about two and a half hours after the first 911 calls came in.
Where it happened and safety context
Lake James is one of the region’s busiest mountain lakes once the weather turns warm, with state-park access points, swim beaches and heavily used boat ramps, according to Lake James State Park. The water near Linville Dam is part of Duke Energy's Bridgewater hydroelectric complex, and materials from Duke Energy note that intakes and changing flows in the area can create swift currents and hazards for swimmers and small craft.
Investigation
The Burke County Sheriff's Office is leading the inquiry into Washington's death, and officials said as of Monday that no foul play is suspected. WBTV reports that the family has been notified and that investigators have not released additional details.
Authorities urged visitors to use extra caution around Lake James during the holiday weekend. The state park posts current swim-area hours and safety guidance online for anyone planning a trip. Lake James State Park also maintains maps and information on beach and boat-ramp access for lake users.
