A Queens man touring with buddies was discovered lifeless in a reservoir simply outdoors Baltimore, authorities stated.
Smith Veras, 20, was final seen at Liberty Reservoir on Thursday. Witnesses noticed him swimming within the reservoir about 17 miles northwest of Baltimore earlier than disappearing.
His physique was discovered 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 workplace instructed the Baltimore Banner. “He was last seen about halfway across.”
Veras’ disappearance sparked an intensive search in Liberty Reservoir, which ranges from 3- to 70-feet deep in locations. A big group of native search and rescue groups that labored the scene on Thursday and Friday was joined by state groups on Saturday, when the physique was lastly discovered.
Swimming in Liberty Reservoir is prohibited due to the risks posed by the deep water, which might additionally get extraordinarily chilly in locations resulting from its depth.
“At this time, investigators do not suspect foul play,” the Carroll County sheriff’s workplace wrote in a Fb put up. Nonetheless, the incident stays below investigation. We prolong our heartfelt condolences to the household and family members of Smith Veras throughout this tragic time.”
A minimum of two different individuals have died in Liberty Reservoir since 2010, in keeping with printed studies. In 2017, a person was charged with animal cruelty after dumping his canine’s physique within the reservoir.
Initially Revealed: July 6, 2025 at 6:45 PM EDT
