John Joseph Lacy, Jr. Obituary, Death – An 84-year-old man from Virginia lost his life in a tragic boating accident on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Augusta County. The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim as John Joseph Lacy, Jr., a resident of Waynesboro. Authorities say the incident unfolded on a lake in the Lyndhurst area, near Mountain Side Lane, during what was expected to be a routine task involving the movement of a floating dock.
According to reports from the Sheriff’s Office, Lacy had been out on the water with a friend that day. The two men were working together to relocate a floating dock using a small boat. During the process, the vessel they were using started to take on water. Despite their efforts to manage the situation, the boat eventually capsized, sending both men into the lake. Tragically, only one of the men, Lacy’s companion, managed to swim to safety and exit the water. Lacy did not resurface.
Emergency personnel were quickly dispatched to the scene after authorities received calls reporting that a man had gone underwater and had not been seen since. Multiple first responder units responded, including the Preston Yancey Fire Department, Augusta County Fire and Rescue, the Waynesboro First Aid Crew, Waynesboro Fire Department, and New Hope Fire Department. Their combined efforts contributed to the subsequent recovery operation.
After an intense search, Lacy’s body was recovered from the lake. Officials have not released the precise timeline of the recovery or how long he remained submerged. The Sheriff’s Office has not indicated whether weather or environmental conditions may have played a role in the accident, nor have they disclosed if the men were wearing life jackets or other safety equipment at the time of the incident.
Authorities are still investigating the events leading up to the capsize to determine if other factors may have contributed to the tragedy. However, no foul play is suspected at this time. It appears to have been a heartbreaking accident during a seemingly routine task between two acquaintances.
In a public statement, the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office expressed their condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Lacy. The statement reads:
“The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest condolences to Mr. Lacy’s family and friends. We also wish to express our sincere appreciation to the Virginia State Police and the dedicated fire and rescue personnel for their swift and professional response to this heartbreaking event.”
The Sheriff’s Office emphasized the importance of collaboration among agencies during emergency situations and praised the prompt response of all units involved in the rescue and recovery operation. Their coordination helped manage the situation efficiently, despite its tragic outcome.
John Joseph Lacy, Jr. is being remembered by those who knew him as a kind and active member of the Waynesboro community. News of his death has saddened many, especially considering the nature of the accident and his age. Community members have begun to share condolences and memories on social media, reflecting on Lacy’s presence and the unfortunate circumstances surrounding his death.
Boating accidents, while not uncommon, can escalate quickly, especially when watercraft are unstable or when safety equipment is not readily used. This incident serves as a stark reminder of how dangerous recreational or utility-based water activities can become, even in familiar or seemingly safe environments.
The Sheriff’s Office has not issued any further safety guidelines but encourages anyone undertaking activities on the water—especially those involving moving structures like docks—to use proper safety gear and ensure boats are in good condition. Checking for potential leaks, maintaining a proper balance, and wearing life jackets can often mean the difference between a close call and a fatal accident.
The investigation into the accident remains ongoing, and any additional findings or updates from the Virginia State Police or Sheriff’s Office will likely be released in the coming days. As of now, the focus remains on supporting the family and understanding the full circumstances of what led to this tragic outcome.
This unfortunate incident adds to the list of water-related accidents that have occurred across the country this spring, highlighting the continued need for caution, preparation, and awareness when engaging in boating or lake-related activities.
The Augusta County community now mourns the loss of one of its own, and public officials have reiterated their commitment to fully investigate the matter while standing in solidarity with the grieving family.