RedactedNarrative: On Friday, May 27, 2016, approximately 1320 hours, operator was operating a 25 foot sailboat under power from a 20 horse power outboard motor on Belews Lake in Stokes County. This was a clear day with slight wind and temperatures near 85 degrees. The only witness (victim's girlfriend) stated that they were cruising down the lake and Subject''s cap flew off his head and into the water.  Subject turned the vessel around to retrieve the cap.  Girlfriend stated that he (Subject) went into the water from a ladder at the stern of the vessel.  Subject was able to retrieve the cap but quickly became tired and began to struggle to keep his head above water. Girlfriend stated at first she thought Subject was joking but she quickly realized he was indeed in distress.  By this time, the sailboat had drifted a significant distance away from him.  Girlfriend stated that Subject called for her to bring the boat closer to him. She then cranked the boat and turned the vessel around and went towards his direction, the victims head began to go under the water several times.  She stated she tried throwing a boat bumper into the water to assist the victim but was not able to reach him.  Girlfriend stated Subject then went under water and she went into the cabin of the boat to get her cell phone and dial 911.  As she emerged from the cabin, she could no longer see the victim. She made several attempts to notify passing vessels by waving her hands and hollering for help but no one was able to see her.
   
  Members of the Stokes-Rockingham and Madison Rescue squad were the first to arrive on scene.  A member of the rescue squad was able to throw an anchor overboard to keep the vessel from drifting any farther from the scene.  By this time the sailboat had drifted approximately 1,000 yards from the gps coordinates given for the emergency 911 call.  Upon my interview with Girlfriend, she stated she was not a good swimmer and could not jump into the water to assist Subject because of the fear that she may drown as well.  Girlfriend told investigators that Subject had been consuming a small amount of alcohol and recently smoked marijuana.  Girlfriend also advised investigators that the victim had taken Valium, Steroids, and a Viagra within the last 24 hours.  Search efforts were conducted at the gps location of the 911 call because the witness was unable to recollect exact location the drowning occurred. 
  
  Numerous State and local agencies continued throughout the summer in hopes to recover the victim's body.  The deceased was found floating on September 8, 2016 by a passing recreational vessel in the same general location of previous search efforts.
  
  
  