Fisherman Drowns In Boating Accident

One person died in a boating accident Friday afternoon. It happened at 3:16pm at Holt’s Lake on Highway 301 South of Smithfield.

Four friends in two separate boats were fishing near the dam when one of the boats became lodged on the spillway at the dam.  The other boat and its occupants came to assist their friends. While trying to free the boat one of the men was overcome by the current and drowned. The name of the victim has not been released pending notification of family members.

The three other individuals were not harmed.

The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident. The Smithfield and Four Oaks Fire Departments, Johnston County EMS, Smithfield Police Department and NC Highway Patrol responded to the scene.