News Releases

Detectives Investigate Drowning in Potomac River

For Immediate Release: Thursday, September 5, 2013

Detectives from the Montgomery County Police Major Crimes Division are investigating a drowning that occurred on Monday.

On Monday, September 2, at approximately 8:00 p.m., Montgomery County Fire Rescue received a call for a possible drowning of a 22-year-old male in the Potomac River near the Great Falls overlook.  Montgomery County Fire Rescue began a rescue mission.  Montgomery County Police search and rescue officers responded to the area to provide assistance on land.

Today, following an extended joint operation, Montgomery County Fire Rescue recovered the victim’s body in the water at approximately 5:45 p.m.  Montgomery County Police search and rescue officers were on scene during these recovery efforts.  The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Montgomery County Police detectives are leading the investigation into the victim's death.  Preliminary investigation has revealed that the victim was sitting in the water near the shore with friends when he decided to wade farther into the river.  The victim was swept downriver and Police and Fire Rescue units were called at that point.

Investigators believe that the person recovered this evening is the man that they have been searching for, however further investigation is necessary before a positive identification can be made.

JMD

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Release ID: 13-297
Media Contact: mcpnews 
Categories: press-releases