James Lavender Obituary, Death News – Authorities have identified the man who drowned in Smith Mountain Lake on Tuesday afternoon as 54-year-old James Lavender of Roanoke, Virginia. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) confirmed his identity after emergency personnel recovered his body from the lake in Franklin County.
The incident took place on June 10 around 3:40 p.m. when both the DWR and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a reported boating emergency in the Penhook area of the lake. According to officials, Lavender had been fishing on a boat with four other people when he decided to jump into the water for a swim.
After entering the lake, Lavender swam only a short distance before beginning to struggle in the water. Witnesses reported that he went under and did not resurface. Authorities also noted that Lavender was not wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident.
Smith Mountain Lake Fire and Rescue teams joined the response effort. Despite the swift arrival of first responders, Lavender could not be saved. His body was later recovered from the lake by rescue teams.
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources has not indicated whether weather, water temperature, or medical issues may have contributed to the drowning, and the incident remains under review.
Officials used the opportunity to remind the public of the importance of wearing life jackets while swimming or boating, especially in open water. Even experienced swimmers can quickly find themselves in danger due to fatigue, currents, or unexpected health problems.
In a separate and unrelated emergency on the same lake, a different man had to be rescued from the water in the Moneta area. Authorities said that he was pulled from the lake and airlifted to a hospital for treatment. No additional details about his condition have been released, and the incident is still under investigation by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.
These back-to-back emergencies on Smith Mountain Lake have prompted local officials to reinforce water safety guidelines as the summer season begins and more people head to lakes and waterways for recreation. The DWR continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Lavender’s drowning to determine if any further safety advisories or actions are needed.
James Lavender’s death is a sobering reminder of the risks associated with water activities, even during calm recreational outings. As the investigation proceeds, family, friends, and the Roanoke community mourn the loss of a man whose fishing trip took a tragic turn. Funeral arrangements and further statements from the family have not yet been made public.
