News

Actions

Missing Hampton swimmer’s body found at Buckroe Beach

Posted at 9:40 PM, Jun 01, 2018
and last updated 2018-06-07 10:53:01-04

HAMPTON, Va. -The body of a missing swimmer in Hampton was found near Buckroe Beach on Sunday around 1 p.m.

On June 6 officials identified the swimmer as 39-year-old Tasket Goldfinch Walker of Virginia Beach.

Authorities say a man, who was described as an African American with dreadlocks, went into the water around 7:30 p.m. Firefighters say witnesses saw him put his stuff down on the beach and wade into the bay. He was seen struggling and never returned to shore.

Battalion Chief Craig Topping with Hampton Fire-Rescue said that because it's so dark outside it was "like searching for a needle in a haystack." He also said authorities got conflicting reports from witnesses.

Divers in the water had used sonar to get an image of the beach floor to look for anything suspicious.

The man's body was transported by Hampton officials to the Chief Medical Examiner's office to determine how he died.

The identity of the man has not been released until his next of kin has been contacted.

There is no further information.

This is a developing story.

Stay with News 3 for updates.