BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — Emergency crews recovered an 18-year-old from the water near Linville Dam on Saturday night after a large rescue response on Lake James.
The Burke County Sheriff’s Office said Austin Washington drowned after jumping into the lake.
Burke County 911 received a call around 6:30 p.m. reporting that someone had entered the water near the popular rock face west of the Duke Energy water intake. When Washington never resurfaced, more than a dozen local agencies, including Duke Energy, launched a coordinated search.
Rescue teams located Washington just after 9 p.m. and removed his body from the water.
Investigators said they do not suspect foul play.
Channel 9 learned Washington was a Lincolnton High School band member. The school’s band director said Washington graduated this year. He described him as a beloved member with a kind heart.
Officials extended their condolences, saying their thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family.
©2026 Cox Media Group
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/LH3JSJEF3VBLRJLJQESEAG34AM.png)
