Smith Mountain Lake Death: Jesse Hamric Colorado Obituary: Jesse Hamric Died After Electrocution At Smith Mountain Lake Dock

BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. (WSET) — Tragedy struck at Smith Mountain Lake on Thursday as the Bedford County Sheriff's Office reported the death of Jesse Hamric, an 18-year-old from Colorado, due to electrocution at a dock.

According to the deputies, the electrocution incident involved three individuals. The Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire Rescue Dive Team confirmed the presence of an electrical current at the dock, which led to the fatality and the injuries of two others. 

While Hamric tragically lost his life, the two other individuals involved sustained only minor injuries that were not life-threatening.

The incident unfolded when friends and family of the victims observed Hamric struggling in the water. In an attempt to assist him, they themselves came into contact with the electrical current. 

Their quick action in recognizing and responding to the distress signals helped mitigate the potential for further fatalities, but unfortunately, they were unable to save Hamric.

The Bedford County Sheriff's Office is conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the electrocution. Preliminary assessments suggest that an electrical malfunction at the dock might have been the source of the deadly current. 

Authorities are focusing on understanding the exact sequence of events that led to the tragic accident, including inspecting the dock’s electrical systems for potential faults or violations of safety standards.

Smith Mountain Lake, a popular recreational area, has been the site of several incidents over the years, but fatalities are rare. 

This tragic event underscores the importance of rigorous safety checks and the potential dangers posed by electrical installations near water. 

The local community and visitors to the lake are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or unsafe conditions they encounter.

As friends and family mourn the loss of Jesse Hamric, the community comes together in support, highlighting the need for enhanced safety measures to prevent such heart-wrenching incidents in the future.