Man dies at Smith Mountain Lake; rescuers felt electric shock in water

The victim was seen in distress in the water. Two witnesses who tried to help him told authorities that when they jumped into the water, they felt like they were being shocked. The witnesses were able to pull the victim out of the water and begin CPR until authorities arrived, the statement said.

The victim, an adult male from out of state who was visiting friends with his family, was taken to the hospital but ultimately died. The two witnesses who jumped into the water were treated at the scene and released.

An investigation by the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office is ongoing. The medical examiner has not yet determined the cause of death, but foul play is not currently suspected, the statement said.

Electrical current in the waters of Smith Mountain Lake has been a constant safety concern for years.

In recent years, the Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire Department has distributed free signs to lakefront property owners to raise awareness of the danger, typically associated with electric boat lifts left in the water.