Swimmer’s body recovered from Catawba River near Charlotte. He died 50 feet from bank

The body of a 22-year-old man was recovered Sunday from the Catawba River near Mountain Island Lake, according to Mount Holly Police.

It’s believed he drowned, officials said. The victim was identified as Nelson Omar Hernandez Bonilla, of Columbus, Ohio, officials said in an update.

Police say they were called to 400 Mountain Island Road at 1:27 p.m. Sunday “about a possible drowning” northwest of Charlotte. The spot is just off Tailrace Park on the Catawba River, police said in a release.

“Witnesses advised that the victim and another person were swimming approximately 50 feet off the bank when the victim went under the water and never resurfaced,” the release said.

“The victim was recovered after a search of the area. ... There did not appear to be foul play involved,” officials said in an update.

Bonilla was not wearing a life preserver, officials said.

This story was originally published July 19, 2020 at 3:27 PM with the headline "Swimmer’s body recovered from Catawba River near Charlotte. He died 50 feet from bank."