Stafford VA. On June 9, 2020 at 5:48 p.m. the Stafford County Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call regarding a drowning at Abel Lake. Deputies and Fire and Rescue personnel responded to the scene and determined that a 20-year-old male had jumped from a rock into the water, briefly resurfaced, and then went back under the water.

The Sheriff’s Office Dive Team and Unmanned Aircraft Systems Team in conjunction with Fire and Rescue boats began searching the area for the victim. Deputies at the scene interviewed the group of friends that had accompanied the victim to the lake. At approximately 8:30 p.m. the victim was located in the lake and pronounced deceased.

The victim has been identified as Bernard Otoo of Stafford County. Detectives are continuing the investigation, but the incident appears to be a tragic accident.

Our deepest condolences are with those who are enduring this tragic incident.