Home Franklin County: Victim’s name released in Smith Mountain Lake drowning
Virginia

Franklin County: Victim’s name released in Smith Mountain Lake drowning

Crystal Graham
smith mountain lake
(© Kathleen Riordan – shutterstock.com)

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.

Support AFP




Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, Crystal Graham has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of "Virginia Tonight," a nightly TV news show, both broadcast on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television. You can reach her at [email protected]

Latest News

uva baseball chris pollard
Baseball

UVA Baseball: How are we supposed to feel about Pollard throwing his guys under the bus?

tv
Etc.

AEW ‘Dynamite’ ratings back up post-Darby Allin nightmare title run

The weeks of decline in viewership for AEW “Dynamite” that coincided with the illogical move to put the world title on a skateboard goofball saw a reversal after the title switch at “Double or Nothing.”

matt augustin uva baseball
Baseball

UVA Baseball: RHP Matt Augustin among three ‘Hoos entering transfer portal

No surprise here, that Matt Augustin, a 6’3” righthander who was only used seven times in 2026 by the new UVA Baseball coaching staff, is in the transfer portal – one of three ‘Hoos to enter the portal on Monday.

lgbtq
Politics, Virginia

Marriage equality is the law of the land, sure, but, take nothing for granted

stephen colbert
Politics

Video: #TeamAFP plays the ‘Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ 15 questions game

government money
Politics, U.S. & World

Developing: Trump backing away from slush fund that Ben Cline had no problem with

earth planet ecology environment recycle world
Politics, U.S. & World

Earl Zimmerman: What’s making news in climate, energy, environment