Avery County officials are investigating a drowning that happened at Elk River Falls on Sunday, May 20th. Emergency services began a search for a man in his 20s from Ohio, who was visiting for a wedding. He apparently went under while wading at the bottom of the falls. His name has not yet been released. Divers searched the waters near Elk River Falls until dark Sunday evening, and requested assistance from Sherrills Ford-Terrell Fire and Rescue from Catawba County with their sonar robot designed for water rescue operations. Elk Park Fire Department, Linville Central Rescue Squad, Mitchell County Dive Team, Sherrills Ford-Terrell Fire and Rescue, Avery Sheriff’s Office and Avery Emergency Management are all involved in the operation. This isn’t the first time there has been a death at Elk River Falls. Jacques Downing, age 39, died after he jumped from the falls on July 16, 2016. It took rescuers two days to recover his body from the hazardous waters beneath the waterfall. His memorial is at the top of the falls as a reminder that the adventure is not worth the risk.
