Jesse Hamric, 18, was visiting friends in Virginia when he jumped into Smith Mountain Lake and was electrocuted by stray voltage from a nearby dock.
Jesse Hamric, an 18-year-old Colorado teenager, tragically lost his life after jumping into an electrified lake in Virginia during the Fourth of July weekend.
Hamric and his family were visiting friends in Virginia when he decided to take a dip in Smith Mountain Lake outside Roanoke on Thursday morning. As he entered the water, his friends noticed something was amiss. Two of them immediately jumped in to assist him but felt a strong electric current in the water.
Colorado Teenager Dies After Jumping into Electrified Lake in Virginia
Deputies from the Bedford County Sheriff's Office later determined that the electricity was emanating from a nearby dock at a residence, causing stray voltage in the lake. Fire crews confirmed the electrical presence in the water.
Despite their attempts to pull Hamric out of the water and perform CPR, first responders who arrived at the scene at approximately 4 a.m. were unable to revive him. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Colorado Teenager Dies After Jumping into Electrified Lake in Virginia
Hamric, a recent graduate of Steamboat Springs High School in Colorado, was a talented football and baseball player. His death, deemed an accident, has sent shockwaves through his community.
The homeowner whose residence was responsible for the electrical issue has been informed of the incident. Authorities urged the owner to collaborate with an electrician to rectify the voltage issue.
Colorado Teenager Dies After Jumping into Electrified Lake in Virginia
In response to the tragedy, a GoFundMe page has been established to provide support for the Hamric family and to establish the "Jesse Cyrus Hamric Foundation for Courage and Love." The fundraiser has amassed over $72,000 as of Monday morning.
The GoFundMe page describes the Hamric family as dedicated community servants who have always strived to improve Steamboat Springs. It also highlights Jesse's warm personality and positive influence.
"Jesse was a dearly loved friend, bringing light and positivity everywhere he went, and he will be missed every day," the page states.
