Rescue personnel recovered the body of a 24-year-old man who drowned in Mott lake on Fort Bragg Sunday evening.

The individual was identified as Micah P. Laymon, 24, a civilian from Raeford.

Post spokesman Tom McCollum said Laymon and a friend were swimming at the lake Sunday when Laymon experienced difficulties and went beneath the lake surface. The friend was unable to find Laymon and called first responders.

After an unsuccessful attempt to locate the body, first responders and dive operations called the search off, and operations resumed at 7:30 a.m. Monday morning. The body was located shortly afterwards at 10:45 a.m.

Lakes on Fort Bragg, including Mott Lake, are off limits for recreational swimming, boating, and paddle boating. Camping is also off limits, with the exception of approved-campgrounds located at Smith Lake Recreation Area. To fish at a Fort Bragg lake, one must obtain a fishing permit.

McCollum said Mott Lake has a lot of brush, downed trees and mud, making it easy to get caught. He said, beginning Monday, officials will now charge civilian swimmers and boaters with criminal trespassing. Soldiers would be charged with disobeying orders.

This article was written with the help of the Associated Press.

Copyright 2018, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

 

photo credit:  Sabrina Thornton

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