HICKORY, N.C. — There is a death investigation being conducted after a man’s body was found on Thursday in Lake Hickory. People on personal watercrafts found him on the Granite Falls side of the lake.
[ ALSO READ: Father of 2 found dead on college campus ]
The 47-year-old man was planning to fish on Wednesday, but his fishing gear was left behind at a brother’s home, family members said. They don’t know why he ended up in that area.
Sheriff’s deputies, Wildlife officers, and Caldwell County Emergency Services were on the north shore of Lake Hickory near where the body was found.
Tiffany Bailey and her daughters saw first responders scramble to get to the scene on Thursday.
“It was kind of scary,” Bailey said. “It’s always quiet down here. There are never any issues.”
Neighbors said the body was found feet from the train trestle that crosses Lake Hickory. Earlier this week, a neighbor described seeing people jump from the bridge into the water, but the victim’s family didn’t believe that happened. However, they said he had injuries to his head and an arm.
“He was a very good swimmer,” a family member said. “He loved to fish, but he did not have no kind of fishing equipment in his possessions. He had a hammock, which he loved, just being out in nature.”
Deputies are not releasing the identity of the man. However, they said some of his belongings were found nearby.
His family said he was last seen on Tuesday.
Bailey is hoping for answers in the case
“Anything can happen at any moment,” Bailey said. “And you always have to be careful, and that’s why I have to keep a close eye on them. So, they don’t get close because we live so close to the lake.”
The family member said they believe the death may have been accidental.
There will be an autopsy on Monday.
No additional details have been made available.
This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com and watch Eyewitness News for updates.