James Lavender dies in fatal Franklin County Virginia drowning at Smith Mountain Lake

James Lavender dies in fatal Franklin County Virginia drowning at Smith Mountain Lake

Fatal Franklin County Virginia drowning death of James Lavender – Obituary

James Lavender, 54, from Roanoke, Virginia, tragically lost his life in a drowning incident at Smith Mountain Lake on June 10. Authorities from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a boating accident near the Penhook area around 3:40 p.m. that day.

According to the reports, Lavender was swimming in the lake after jumping from a fishing boat with four others. After swimming a short distance, he struggled in the water and submerged, ultimately drowning. It was noted that Lavender was not wearing a life jacket at the time. Emergency responders, including Smith Mountain Lake Fire personnel, arrived on the scene but were unable to save him.

A separate case involving another man pulled from the Moneta area of the lake is currently under investigation, with that individual being hospitalized and no further updates available.

The community mourns the loss of James Lavender, and officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incidents on the lake.