Authorities have released the name of the individual who drowned over the weekend in Burke County. The victim was identified as 18-year-old Austin Shyjuan Washington of Lincolnton.

The victim was found deceased following a water rescue operation coordinated by Burke County authorities. At approximately 6:30 p.m., Saturday (June 13) Burke County 911 received an emergency call reporting an individual entering the water near the popular rock face west of the Duke Energy water intake at Linville Dam. After a quick coordinated response, the individual was found just after 9 p.m. by water rescue teams. Water rescue personnel removed the individual from the water, and the family has been notified.

Responding agencies included Lake James Fire Department, Burke County EMS, Burke County Rescue, Burke County REACT, Hankins Fire Department, Nebo Fire Department, McDowell EMS, McDowell Rescue, Rutherford County Emergency Management, Burke County Communications, the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, and North Carolina Wildlife.

Duke Energy also responded due to the proximity of their Lake James Bridgewater intake. The Burke County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation, no foul play is suspected at this time.