Drowning at Chewacla State Park

At about 4:30 PM Wednesday afternoon, Auburn Police and Fire and East Alabama Medical Center EMS responded to a possible drowning at the lake area of Chewacla State Park off Shell Toomer Parkway in Auburn. Shortly after arrival, 18-year-old Jamari Smith, of Montgomery, was located underwater in the lake. Advanced life support measures were immediately initiated, and he was rushed to the emergency room of East Alabama Medical Center. Extensive efforts to revive Smith were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead in the emergency room at 6:05 PM. Smith was with friends swimming at the lake when he apparently became tired and went under. 911 was called as the friends attempted to locate Smith. Auburn Fire located the victim shortly after their arrival. There is no foul play suspected and the case is being treated as an accidental drowning. The case is being investigated by the Auburn Police and the Lee County Coroner.


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