The name of the victim of an accidental drowning at Smith Mountain Lake on Tuesday has been released.
James Lavender, 54, of Roanoke, was pulled from the water Tuesday afternoon, according to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
According to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, officers responded to a reported boating accident in the Penhook area at 3:40 p.m.
According to the report, five people were fishing when Lavender jumped into the lake for a swim. After swimming a short distance, Lavender allegedly struggled, according to witnesses, and went under the water.
He was not wearing a life jacket.
A second incident occurred on Tuesday when a man was rescued from the Moneta area of Smith Mountain Lake. The person was flown to a local hospital for treatment. His condition is unknown.
Both incidents are under investigation.
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Crystal Graham
