Man found dead after struggling to swim in Cape Fear River in Harnett County

ERWIN, N.C. (WNCN) — A man died after struggling to swim in the Cape Fear River in Harnett County Friday, officials said.

Erwin Police Chief Jonathan Johnson said that a man in his 30s was swimming in the stretch of the river near Erwin on Friday.

UPDATE: Officials ID swimmer who died in Cape Fear River near Erwin

The man began to struggle to swim and vanished in the river and 5:30 p.m., according to Johnson and Ricky Blackmon, Chief of Erwin Fire Rescue. 

The man’s body was found Friday around 7:35 p.m. near the N.C. 217 bridge over the Cape Fear River, Blackmon said.

Johnson said the river is dangerous with many rocks and strong currents. He added that it is not a safe place to swim.

Blackmon said his crews average about three or four rescues a year in the stretch of the river near the bridge.

UPDATE: Officials ID swimmer who died in Cape Fear River near Erwin

The victim’s name has not been released because his family has not been notified of his death.

Several other agencies also helped during the incident including Harnett County Emergency Management, Harnett County EMS, Dunn Emergency Services, Lillington Fire Department and Buies Creek Fire and Rescue.

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