Home Rockbridge County: Three swimmers reported missing in James River found dead
Region/State

Rockbridge County: Three swimmers reported missing in James River found dead

Crystal Graham
police
(© Oleksandr – stock.adobe.com)

Two juveniles and one adult were found dead this morning in the James River in Rockbridge County.

The three, family members whose names have not been released, were last seen Friday night and were reported missing around 7:43 p.m.

According to the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office, the communications center was alerted to the missing individuals in the Arnold’s Valley area. Emergency personnel began a search and rescue operation immediately.

The response included Buena Vista Fire and Rescue, Glasgow Fire and Rescue, Natural Bridge Fire, Rockbridge Baths Fire, Rockbridge County Fire and Rescue, the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia Conservation Police and the Virginia State Police search and rescue team.

The agencies worked together throughout the night but did not locate the individuals until approximately 9:45 a.m. today.

Bodies of the missing family members were recovered from the water a short distance from where they were last seen, according to the sheriff’s office.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office are handling the death investigation.

No further information is being released at this time.

Support AFP




Multimedia

 

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

Coal miners black lung
Trump's America

Coal miners hit hard by black lung: What is Trump going to do about it?

uva football defense
Football

UVA Football: John Rudzinski addresses potential of his 2026 defense

UVA Football head coach Tony Elliott said last week that he thinks his roster on the defensive side of the ball heading into the 2026 season is “probably the deepest … we’ve had.”

Wildlife Center of Virginia
Local

Waynesboro: Wildlife Center of Virginia opens annual online auction

The Wildlife Center of Virginia is in the midst of its biggest annual fundraiser, an annual online auction that helps provide the food, medication, medical supplies, and specialized equipment the center’s staff needs to care for thousands of wild animals each year.

washington DC smithsonian national mall downtown metro spring cherry blossom
Trump's America

National Park Service report puts proposed massive Trump arch on blast

uva basketball
Basketball

UVA Basketball: Virginia women to face Kentucky in Nashville in December

weather water drought temperature advisory
Region/State

Virginia: Rains helping to ease drought, but far from being out of the woods

wrestling
Etc.

Remembering Dory Funk Sr.: Ranking the Hall of Famer’s Top 5 all-time matches