The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

August 15, 2009

River claims life of Arnett man

A 33-year-old Arnett man drowned in the New River Saturday afternoon near Terry in Raleigh County, National Park Service officials said.

Acting Chief Ranger Chuck Noll did not release the man’s name Saturday evening pending notification of his parents.

According to Noll, the man was swimming with family and friends in an area of the New River located about 2 miles downstream from Terry when others in the group noticed he was in distress.

His girlfriend and his sister witnessed the drowning, Noll said.

“At least one of them swam out to try to assist him, but he disappeared beneath the surface before they got to him,” Noll said.

Those from the victim’s group left the area and called Raleigh 911 around 2:20 p.m., Noll said.

“The location they were in is down a very long, very rough road, so for the call to have come in at 2:20, it could have been as much as 30 minutes prior to that that he exhibited signs of distress,” he said.

The man’s body was located around 3:15 p.m.

He was not wearing a life jacket, and alcohol is not believed to have been involved, Noll said.

— Jessica Farrish

Text Only
Local News