The body of a 20-year-old New York man who went missing after he went swimming with friends in a Maryland reservoir was recovered on Saturday afternoon.
Smith Veras was found in the Liberty Reservoir following an extensive and coordinated multi-agency search effort that began Thursday, according to the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office.
Veras’ family, who had traveled from Queens, New York, was provided lodging nearby during the search and has been notified of the outcome.
“It’s heartbreaking,” said kayaker Rich Fairhurst. “We heard about it this morning, and we weren’t sure if the lake was going to be open, but we came anyway. And we saw the search-and-rescue team starting back up today.”
Crews from multiple agencies were out until dark Thursday and Friday, searching for the man after his friends called for help.
“He and three friends were swimming. They went down and jumped in the water. They swam across to an island, and about halfway across, this gentleman, a 20-year-old Hispanic male, he started to go underwater,” said Lt. Brandon Holland with the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office. “He was last seen about halfway across.”
Holland said the man was visiting friends in Pikesville when the incident occurred.
“It is popular for teens and young adults to come down here and want to swim, but it is illegal. It can go from three feet deep to about 70 feet deep is where we think he was last seen,” Lt. Holland said. “So, it is not safe, and again, it is illegal.”
Carroll County deputies said the young man’s three friends have been cooperative in the investigation.
Water safety reminder
The incident serves as a reminder to obey signs when visiting bodies of water, especially during the summer, and to be careful, stay sober and wear a life vest when on the water.
“We usually wear life vests, and we have a whistle on,” said boater Willow Timko. “There is always a big possibility that it might not happen, but there’s a small possibility that something bad could happen.”
This story will be updated.
WJZ is a media partner of The Baltimore Banner.
