18-year-old high school graduate drowns in Chapel Hill lake, officials say
A recent high school graduate from Pittsboro died from drowning Thursday afternoon after efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful, the town of Chapel Hill reported.
Chapel Hill Police and Fire Departments and Orange County Emergency Services responded to a report of a drowning at Eastwood Lake in Chapel Hill around 2:20 p.m. The victim, Christian Poteat Jr., was treated at the scene and transported to UNC Hospitals, where he died, said Alex Carrasquillo, Community Safety Public Information Officer.
The lake is in a residential area. The drowning occurred near Lakeshore Drive and Markham Drive.
Officials do not suspect foul play on account of numerous witness reports, Carrasquillo said.
Poteat was a graduate of Northwood High School’s class of 2022. He played cornerback and wide receiver on the varsity football team.
“Christian was a vivacious student with a magnetic smile and personality,” Northwood principal Bradford Walston said in a statement. “His presence in our community will be missed. That his passing comes so soon after the accomplishment of high school graduation is a tragedy beyond words.”
Northwood athletic trainer Jackie Harpham expressed her grief on social media.
“Christian still had so much life to live and his was cut far too short,” Harpham wrote. “We talked a lot about your future and your goals. I only wish we could see what you would have accomplished in the future.”
In a statement, the school district wrote: “Our hearts are with Christian’s family and friends. This was a joyous time in his life and those who guided him through high school to graduation. We mourn with the family in this loss.”
This story was originally published June 17, 2022 at 2:56 PM.