Body of Raleigh man, suspected drowning victim, found in Falls Lake

Search crews found a body at Falls Lake on Saturday morning, according to the Wake County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies, fire and EMS crews had been searching the lake after a swimmer was seen in distress Friday evening.

At about 5 p.m. Friday, people at the lake called 911 and said they saw a male swimmer in distress, according to the Sheriff’s Office. John Jones, spokesman for the sheriff, said officers found “a vehicle of interest” near the lake and were looking for the owner.

Wake deputies found the body of Emmanuel Diaz Juarez, 23, of Boone Trail in Raleigh, at about 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Jones said.

He said the investigation into what happened continues. Juarez’s body will be taken to the Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy.

Deputies, along with state and county first responders, searched the lake Friday evening but had to suspend the effort after the sun went down and storms moved into the area. They resumed the search Saturday morning.

This story was originally published July 29, 2017 at 7:39 AM with the headline "Body of Raleigh man, suspected drowning victim, found in Falls Lake."