Swimming mishap claims life of teen
LEATHERWOOD — A drowning incident claimed the life of a 16-year-old youth here Monday afternoon, a park spokesperson said Tuesday.
The victim was identified as Jordan Redmon, 16, of Russell Springs, Ky. Redmon was apparently visiting family in McCreary County, Ky.
National Park Service spokesperson Jeanine McElveen said park rangers received a 911 call at approximately 4:15 p.m. Monday, reporting a possible drowning.
The youth was said to be swimming with family members just downstream of the Leatherwood river access parking lot when he was observed struggling and disappeared from view.
The teen’s body was recovered by Park Service rescue workers in 7 ft. of water at approximately 6:15 p.m. Monday evening.
The drowning was believed to be the first in the Big South Fork River since June 2002. Ironically, that drowning also involved a 16-year-old McCreary County youth , who drowned while swimming near Blue Heron just outside Stearns, Ky.
In 2004, the body of a Scott County woman was recovered from the rain-swollen waters of Pine Creek just outside the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area boundary.