Deputies investigate drowning death at Lake James in Burke County

BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — A woman has died after drowning at Lake James on Friday, according to the Burke County Sheriff’s Office.

Burke County’s Emergency Communication Center got a call about a possible female drowning at Lake James near the Canal Bridge Boat Access after suffering an asthma attack in the water and stopping breathing.

Witnesses told deputies that after a few minutes of being in the water, the woman said she didn’t feel well, and her fiancé gave her her inhaler while she was still swimming. After using the inhaler, the woman began feeling worse, and she went unconscious.

Deputies say it was hard to get the victim back on the boat due to its height. Her fiancé and a friend attempted to get the boat to shore. Emergency services were called by a bystander, and a Lake James Community Officer came by boat and helped guide the victim’s boat to Canal Access.

According to the sheriff’s office, the victim was given CPR as first responders and EMS were on their way. After 30 minutes, the victim was pronounced dead.

The woman was later identified as Hannah Maria Walker, a 27-year-old from Asheville. Her fiancé, two young children, and her fiancé's friend witnessed the event.

Investigators say the death investigation is still ongoing and they are waiting for an autopsy.

This is a developing story; check back at wsoctv.com for updates.

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