Body of young fisherman recovered in Jordan Lake after a fall days earlier
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- Chatham County officials recovered the body of a 21-year-old fisherman Friday.
- Nestor Menjivar fell Wednesday while fishing near fast-moving water below the dam.
- Rescue crews from multiple agencies assisted; officials urge safety near waterways.
Days after a young fisherman fell into Jordan Lake, the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office has recovered his body.
Nestor Margarito Ramirez Menjivar, 21, of Fayetteville, was fishing on the rocks near the lake’s wall when he lost his footing and fell into the water around 6 p.m. Wednesday.
The area is below the dam and is known for fast-moving water and slippery, uneven terrain.
Menjivar was swept away by the current below the dam, according to a news release. Emergency crews began immediate search efforts but could not find him.
His body was recovered from the water before 8 a.m. Friday, and his family was notified.
Sheriff Mike Roberson said the recovery was a “heartbreaking outcome.”
A fundraiser organized by Menjivar’s brother has raised over $2,600 to help his family cover funeral costs and to return his body to El Salvador, where his mother lives.
“Our deepest sympathies are with the Menjivar family,” Roberson said in a statement. “We are grateful to the emergency responders and partner agencies who worked very hard to bring him home.”
Along with the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, the Moncure Fire Department, Chatham County Emergency Management, Chatham County Emergency Communications, Army Corps of Engineers, FirstHealth EMS, Cape Fear Fire Department, Chatham County Medical Examiner’s Office, N.C. Highway Patrol and Lee County Emergency Management assisted in the recovery efforts.
Officials are urging the public to exercise extreme caution near all waterways and to wear a life jacket when fishing, boating or wading near currents.
This story was originally published June 20, 2025 at 10:37 AM.