MONETA, Va. – UPDATE - June 14, 2022 at 11:07 a.m.
The Department of Wildlife Resources has identified the man whose body was found in a Bedford County lake at about 6:30 p.m. Monday.
The victim has been identified as 63-year-old Thomas Reeder.
Authorities say he was from Richmond and was visiting family in the area.
We’re told the incident is still under investigation, but it’s believed to be an accident.
The body was transported to the medical examiner’s office Monday to determine if it was health-related.
UPDATE - June 13, 2022 at 6:30 p.m.
Crews said they have found the body of a missing person who they said was last seen at a lake in Moneta around 1 a.m. Monday.
According to the Bedford Fire Department, the body was found around 6:30 p.m. Monday.
Authorities said the man was 63 years old. They did not provide any further identifying information.
ORIGINAL STORY
The search is underway for a fisherman who was last seen at a lake in Moneta around 1 a.m. Monday, according to the Bedford Fire Department.
We’re told the 63-year-old man was fishing on his family’s private property and was supposed to return home Monday morning. When he did not return, his family called 911.
The Bedford Fire Department says they received the report of a possible drowning around 9:45 a.m.
“His boat, all of his processions are on scene. His car is there, so we feel fairly confident that he’s on that property, probably in the lake. We have divers in the water now doing a grid search,” said Bedford Fire Chief Todd Stone.
At this time, rescue and search crews are at the scene, located near 2800 Moneta Road.
“The deepest point [of the lake] is probably 12 feet, and around the perimeter of the lake is about five feet. So, it’s a fairly large lake. I’d say it’s probably a three-acre lake, so it’s going to take them awhile to do a grid search there,” said Stone.
The Virginia State Game commission is investigating as well.
At this time, the sheriff’s office has not released the man’s name. The fire department says they are also investigating whether foul play is involved.
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