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Makenna Warlick courtesy GoFundMe
Rescue crews have recovered the body of a 16-year-old girl who is believed to have drowned while swimming in the South Fork River on Monday.
Officials say the body of Makenna Warlick was pulled from the river Tuesday afternoon.
Responders had lowered water levels at the dam during the recovery operations on Monday, which allowed them to locate the victim’s body. However, recovery efforts were stalled due to water turbulence and a lightning strike that shut down the generator used to lower water levels.
Crews were able to repair the generator and resume recovery efforts Tuesday afternoon. The remaining water flow was diverted from the area, officials say, which allowed crews to finally recover the body around 5:20 p.m.
A GoFundMe account has been created to help Makenna’s family pay for funeral expenses. To make a donation or get more information, click HERE.
This is an ongoing investigation. Check back for updates.
Original Story:
GASTON COUNTY, NC — Officials say a 16-year-old girl died Monday while swimming with friends in the South Fork Catawba River in Gaston County.
The call reportedly came in just before 4:00 p.m. Monday at the High Shoals Bridge between S. Lincoln Street and Cherry Street. Officials say three teenage girls were swimming in the river near the dam and exploring a rocky area downstream when the incident occurred.
Two of the girls were quickly located and pulled to safety, officials say, and were not injured.
The third swimmer, a 16-year-old girl from Lincolnton, was located a short time later. Officials say it appears she died from accidental drowning.
Crews are still working to recover her body from the river.
Reports initially indicated that the victim jumped from the bridge into the water, but investigators now say they believe she slipped and fell.
The area is a very popular swimming spot near the dam and old mill, officials say, but is not an official swimming area and can be very dangerous.
Multiple agencies are assisting in recovery. The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Gaston County Police Department at 704-866-3320.
