News

Actions

Body of missing 20-year-old Northampton Co. swimmer found

Posted at 6:31 PM, Aug 21, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-06 15:07:07-04

NORTHAMPTON Co., Va. - A 20-year-old man was missing after being swept under water on August 21 on Smith Island in Northampton County.

He was identified as Maurice Alonzo Wright, Jr. from Norfolk.

Research scientists recovered Wright's body on September 1 and a Medical Examiner in Richmond identified the man's body on September 2.

The Hampton Roads Sector of the Coast Guard told News 3 that the man and his family were on a pontoon boat when they anchored it 20 feet from Smith Island.

Their boat was so close to the island, they were able to walk to the beach from it.

As the family was standing in the water to get back on the boat, the 20-year-old male went under, and did not come back up.