Harris Lake drowning under investigation, the fifth in the past month
A man who went to Harris Lake to go fishing has drowned, the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday night.
Deputies were called to the Cross Point Boat Ramp in New Hill about 5:20 p.m. to investigate a possible drowning. The man had entered the water and “appeared to struggle,” according to a release.
By the time first-responders arrived, the man’s friends had brought his body to shore and began CPR.
FirstHealth paramedics and bystanders also attempted to resuscitate the man, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The incident remains under investigation. The man’s identify has not been released.
Reported drownings in the Triangle
This is at least the fifth drowning in recent weeks in Central North Carolina. According to News & Observer reports:
- Nestor Margarito Ramirez Menjivar, 21, of Fayetteville, was fishing on the rocks along the Haw River, near Jordan Lake, on June 19 when he fell into the water. His body was recovered June 20.
- Daniel Garcia Garcia, 25, and Manuel Mauro Sifuentes Soto, 36, of Durham died while boating on Jordan Lake July 6, the night that the remnants of Tropical Storm Chantal caused destruction in the region. Their bodies were found days later after an extensive search.
- A 19-year-old drowned in Jordan Lake July 13 after his flotation device drifted away, authorities said.
This story was originally published July 16, 2025 at 9:36 PM with the headline "Harris Lake drowning under investigation, the fifth in the past month."