On Friday 06-21-2024 at 8:13 p.m., the Burke County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Lake James State Park, in reference to a death investigation. Visitors of the park located a person floating in the water. It was determined that the person was not breathing, and they called 911 for assistance. Burke County Sheriff’s Office, Burke County Rescue Squad, Burke County EMS, and Longtown Volunteer Fire Department First Responders, responded to the scene to assist Lake James State Park Rangers already on the scene. It was determined that the victim, Presley Junior Jaynes, age 76, of Morganton, was deceased. Burke County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division were called to the scene for further investigation.
The incident is still under investigation.