Pittsboro, NC – A second body has been recovered from Jordan Lake this morning as search operations resumed for a third consecutive day, concluding the multi-agency effort.
The two individuals were last seen on the afternoon of Sunday, July 6, after launching a canoe from the Martha’s Chapel Road access area. Their unoccupied canoe was recovered later that evening, prompting a coordinated search effort involving multiple emergency agencies.
The second body was located this morning by crews from the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office. Search efforts were complicated by rising water levels, swift currents, and debris in the lake following Tropical Storm Chantal.
While authorities believe both recovered individuals to be the missing boaters, official identification is pending confirmation by the medical examiner. Names will be released once next of kin have been notified and the identifications are confirmed.
“Although this is not the ending we hoped for, we are grateful to bring some degree of closure to the families,” said Sheriff Mike Roberson. “We appreciate the public’s support and patience, and we remain deeply mindful of the pain these families are facing.”
The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office coordinated the search with assistance from North Chatham Fire Department, Lee County Emergency Management, FirstHealth EMS, North Carolina Highway Patrol, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, Nash County Sheriff’s Office, Durham County Sheriff’s Office, and Durham County Paramedics EMS.
Sheriff Roberson expressed his appreciation for all the agencies involved. “These professionals showed tireless dedication and compassion over the course of this difficult operation,” Sheriff Roberson said.
Emergency personnel thank the public for their cooperation, especially those who avoided the Farrington Point Boat Ramp area while search crews were actively working.