(PatriotPostNews.com) — A Colorado teenager celebrating Independence Day in Virginia died after jumping into a presumed electrified lake.
18-year-old Jesse Hamric drowned in Smith Mountain Lake, where he was vacationing with friends and family for the Fourth of July. The teenager was from Steamboat Springs, Colorado, where he recently graduated from the high school where his father is the principal.
The accidental death occurred in the early morning of July 4, at a private home on the Virginia lake, which had its own dock. Upon seeing Hamric struggling in the water, two of his friends jumped in to help. They later explained that they felt an immediate electric shock upon entering the water.
However, the two managed to bring Hamric out of danger and initiate CPR before the first responders arrived and took him to the hospital. He was pronounced dead later that day. The two friends who were also electrocuted were treated for injuries at the scene but then released.
Police later shared that all three young people were electrocuted, which could have occurred due to faulty wiring from boats or docks that electrified the water.
Electricity was found via water testing, leading to the presumption that a privately owned dock put out stray voltage, causing the tragedy. An official cause of death has not yet been revealed by medical examiners. The Bedford County Sheriff’s Office, which is investigating the incident, does not suspect foul play.
Hamric’s loved ones expressed great sorrow at his tragic passing, including one who described the late teenager as “one of a kind” who was “always” smiling. Steamboat Springs High School, where Hamric graduated and played varsity sports, released a statement to the community to share that it is “deeply saddened” by the young man’s death.
The school encouraged community members to “care” for themselves, one another, and accept “support” from “those around you” as they mourned the loss of their friend. A prayer service was held at the local Catholic church one day after Hamric’s death.
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