Teen Dies After Jumping into ‘Electrified’ Lake

Jesse Hamric, 18, of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, died after he leapt into an electrified lake in Virginia in July 2024

Tragedy struck on July 4th when Jesse Hamric, an 18-year-old from Colorado, died after jumping into Smith Mountain Lake in Huddleston, Virginia. According to police, the lake may have been electrified near the dock where he leaped into the water.

Hamric, who had recently graduated from Steamboat Springs High School in Colorado, was spending time with friends when the incident occurred. As he jumped into the lake, he appeared to suffer an electrocution. Two friends, who witnessed Hamric in distress, also experienced electric shocks when they entered the water to save him. Despite their efforts to drag him out and administer CPR, Hamric was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.

The Bedford County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident, with early indications suggesting that an electric current was present in the water near the dock. This was confirmed by an official from the Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire Rescue Dive Team.

Hamric’s two friends were treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The official cause of Hamric's death has yet to be confirmed, but electrocution is suspected.

Hamric was the son of Jay Hamric, the principal of Steamboat Springs High School. The school released a statement expressing their sorrow: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of a recent Steamboat Springs High School graduate. Please take a moment to care for yourself, lean into those around you for support, and care for each other. Our thoughts are with all of you.” Mental health counselors were made available at the school to support students and faculty.

Alex Schwab, a friend of Hamric’s, expressed his disbelief and sorrow: “Still can’t even like process it. I’m so upset by it.” Schwab remembered Hamric as an “amazing” snowboarder and a “one of a kind” person, always smiling and bringing joy to those around him.