Body of a 13-year-old boy recovered from Jordan Lake

Chatham County authorities are stressing water safety after a child’s body was recovered from Jordan Lake.

Kevin Lopez, 13, of Locust, N.C., drowned at Parkers Creek Beach around 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

He may have been swimming at the time of the incident, a sheriff’s spokesperson said. His body was found in the water about an hour after he drowned.

Investigators do not suspect any foul play.

Lopez is the ninth person to drown at Jordan Lake this year.

Separate investigation continues

The Sheriff’s Office is still trying to confirm the identity of a woman whose body was pulled from the water near the Farrington Point Boat Ramp on Tuesday afternoon.

Investigators do not believe she died by accident or suicide.

The woman, who was 5 feet tall and 175 pounds, may have been of Hispanic, Latin American or Middle Eastern descent. She was wearing blue jeans, a gray shirt and a pearl necklace. Investigators found an earring in the area that may have belonged to her.

“We are working with the Medical Examiner to identify the victim, but again, no positive identification has been made at this time, and our request for tips from the public continues,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

Anyone with information is asked to call 919-542-2911.

Water safety at Jordan Lake

Chatham County Sheriff Mike Roberson stressed the use of life jackets while swimming at the lake.

“Water can be dangerous if we do not prepare for the hazards it can create,” he said in a news release. “Our goal is to ensure that those enjoying the lake return home safely.”

The Sheriff’s Office recommends visitors:

1. Always have an adult watching children near water. Drowning can happen quickly and silently.

2. Stay in designated swimming areas.

3. Enroll in swimming lessons.

4. Avoid alcohol and impairing drugs when participating in water activities.

5. Keep an eye on weather conditions and avoid water activities during storms or adverse weather.

6. If boating, ensure all safety equipment, including life jackets, is onboard in good condition. Follow boating regulations and guidelines.

This story was originally published September 4, 2023 at 12:28 PM with the headline "Body of a 13-year-old boy recovered from Jordan Lake."

Kristen Johnson

The News & Observer

919-829-4532

Kristen Johnson is a local government reporter covering Durham for The News & Observer. She previously covered Cary and western Wake County. Prior to coming home to the Triangle, she reported for The Fayetteville Observer and spent time covering politics and culture in Washington, D.C. She is an alumna of UNC at Charlotte and American University.