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Teen who drowned in Mountain Island Lake identified

MOUNT HOLLY, N.C. — Gaston County authorities have released the name of a teen who drowned in Mountain Island Lake just days before high school graduation.

Police say 19-year-old Jaquez D'Andre Hunter-Cathey drowned when he and several other students had gone to the lake Tuesday to celebrate the last day of school. Authorities say the group got access to the lake near the Mount Holly Water Treatment Plant in an area that is not open for swimming.

Hunter-Cathey was just four days from graduating from East Gaston High School. Officials at the school said they will make a special presentation in honor of Hunter-Cathey during Saturday's graduation ceremonies.

Officials said Hunter-Cathey jumped in the water and did not come back up. Investigators said his friends waited too long to call for help.