64-year-old man drowns in Carroll County

FRIES (WSLS 10) - A 64-year-old man drowned at Fries Recreation Park on Saturday.

The Carroll County Sheriff's Office received a call on Saturday, of a possible drowning on the New River, just above the low-water bridge in Fries.

64-year-old Harrison Jay Brooks of Mount Airy, NC and his family had been floating for a couple of hours. After realizing the group had become separated, family members started looking for Brooks. His family said he fell off his tube and struggled in the water. By the time his family members reached him, he was already underwater.

Brooks was transported to Twin County Regional Hospital by Fries Rescue Squad where he later died.

Carroll County Sheriff J.B. Gardner said that even though drownings are tragic, they are not uncommon on New River. The river often times looks shallow but there are many deep spots and often times, the currents are very strong.

He also gave the following safety tips to help  enjoying your time in the water:

  • It is possible to drown in as little as an inch or two of water.
  • Learning CPR can save a life. If the victim is not breathing, bystanders can improve a victim's odds of survival the sooner CPR is started.
  • Never leave a child in the water alone, even for a second.
  • Make sure you and your children know how to swim.
  • Never swim alone.
  • Life jackets are important when on the open water, even if you are a good swimmer.
  • Don't use alcohol or medication while on the open water, as it slows your reaction times down.