DROWNING VICTIM FOUND IN RIVER

Stafford, Va. Stafford County Sheriff's Office has tentatively identified a body found in the Rappahannock River this morning as 17-year-old Gilberto Lopez Cortez, age 17 of Maryland. Gilberto Cortez was reported missing around 2:30 Sunday afternoon after being seen by friends going underwater and not coming back to the surface.

Numerous agencies worked until last night in an effort to find the 17-year-old teenager. This morning around 10:45 members of the Fredericksburg Fire and Rescue Department reported seeing a body in the river in the area of Old Mill Park. Stafford deputies arrived on scene and were able to tentatively identify the body. No signs of foul play are indicated and the body has been sent to the Medical Examiner's Office in Richmond.

"Our hearts go out to the family members and friends of Gilberto Cortez. The loss of this young man is a tragedy for everyone who knew him as well as the rescue personnel who responded to the scene," stated Sheriff Charles Jett.

The Stafford County Sheriff's Office would like to remind those who choose to swim or wade in the river to be mindful of the potential dangers the river possess with deep holes, tricky currents and debris that can catch a swimmer's foot or arm underwater. The use of some type of flotation device is always recommended when swimming or wading in the river.