A Queens man traveling with friends was found dead in a reservoir just outside Baltimore, authorities said.
Smith Veras, 20, was last seen at Liberty Reservoir on Thursday. Witnesses spotted him swimming in the reservoir about 17 miles northwest of Baltimore before disappearing.
His body was found Saturday.
“He and three friends were swimming. They went down and jumped in the water. They swam across to an island, and about halfway across…he started to go underwater,” Brandon Holland of the Carroll County Sheriff’s office told the Baltimore Banner. “He was last seen about halfway across.”
Veras’ disappearance sparked an extensive search in Liberty Reservoir, which ranges from 3-to-70 feet deep in places. A large group of local search and rescue teams that worked the scene on Thursday and Friday was joined by state teams on Saturday, when the body was finally found.
Swimming in Liberty Reservoir is prohibited because of the dangers posed by the deep water, which can also get extremely cold in places due to its depth.
“At this time, investigators do not suspect foul play,” the Carroll County Sheriff’s office wrote in a Facebook post. However, the incident remains under investigation. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Smith Veras during this tragic time.”
At least two other people have died in Liberty Reservoir since 2010, according to published reports. In 2017, a man was charged with animal cruelty after dumping his dog’s body in the reservoir.