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78-year-old dies in drowning at Lake James

Officials said Kocsis was on a recreational trip with his family at the time of the incident.

MORGANTON, N.C. — A 78-year-old man has died following a drowning on Lakes James Saturday, the Burke County Office Of Emergency Services confirmed.

According to officials, the incident happened at around 2:15 p.m. Emergency personnel responded to the area, interviewed witnesses, and began a search for the drowning victim. Rescuers located the victim, 78-year-old Julius Kocsis, in about twelve feet of water just south of the Fonta Flora / Linville Access.

Officials said Kocsis was on a recreational trip with his family at the time of the incident. The cause of death is believed to be accidental pending confirmation from the Medical Examiner’s Office. 

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Agencies responding to the drowning: Burke County Emergency Management, Burke County EMS, Burke County Rescue Squad, Burke County Sheriff’s Office, Lake James Fire/Rescue, Longtown Fire Department, North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission, McDowell County Sheriff’s Office, McDowell County EMS, McDowell County Rescue Squad, Nebo Fire Department, and Hankins Fire Department. 

Boats from the following agencies assisted with search and rescue efforts: North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission, McDowell County Sheriff’s Office, McDowell County EMS, McDowell County Rescue Squad, Nebo Fire Department, and Hankins Fire Department.

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