RedactedNarrative: On may 20, 2019, a party was fishing on an island in lake wylie just west of highway 29 in belmont, north carolina. 
  
  At approximately 0400 Subject1 stated she had to leave because she had to pick up her child and Subject2 wanted to leave because of being sick.  When they boarded the vessel Subject3 who is approximately 250 pounds was at the bow of the vessel facing towards the stern.  Subject1 was in the middle, Subject4 was on the port side of the stern operating the vessel and Subject2 was on the starboard side of the stern.  
  
  Earlier when traveling to the island, the seating pattern was the same as the route back to the access area.  However, Subject5 weighs approximately 200 pounds and Subject4 weighs approximately 140 pounds.  With this difference in weight the bow of the boat would sit much lower to the water than before.  Once again, the four were traveling on a vessel that only had two coast guard approved life jackets on board.  The navigation lights were on while traveling back.  
  
  They traveled south towards kevin loftin park access and once they passed under the highway 29 bridge, a no wake zone, at approximately 0415 Subject3 could feel water running down his legs, he shouted, we are taking on water.  Immediately Subject4 stated he turned off the engine by pulling the lanyard.  Just after Subject3 stated they were taking on water the four found themselves in the catawba river. The air temperature was 72 degrees and the water temperature was 75 degrees. The vessel rolled over trapping the two life jackets that were on board underneath.  
  
  Subject1 began swimming to shore.  Subject3 was struggling and was unable to swim.  Subject4 and Subject2 swam the vessel to Subject3.  Subject4 stated, “at no time was victim panicing he was calm”.  In doing so they were swimming against the current of the river. After the vessel was at Subject3, both Subject2 and Subject3 were holding on to the vessel.  At this time Subject4 began swimming to shore. 
  
   Once he made it to shore, Subject4 ran to the parking lot and found two fishermen and yelled to call 911.  Once Subject1 made it to shore, Subject3 had begun his swim to shore.  Subject1 could tell that Subject3 was having a hard time and was on the verge of not being able to make it to shore.  Subject1 realizing that her husband's drowning was imminent, she swam back out to help him.  She stated that “victim said he was ok and that he could swim so i helped husband”.  Belmont police department arrived on scene and rushed to the incident sight.  
  
  When they arrived, Subject1 and Subject3 were struggling and the officers could see that Subject2 was struggling as well.  They used their flashlights and voices as a beacon of where to swim to.  It was apparent by the screams heard on body camera footage that Subject1 was struggling to save not only her life but her husband's as well.  There was an officer on the highway 29 bridge using his flashlight to help locate Subject2.  By the time this officer arrived, Subject2 had gone under water.  Once ems arrived, they were able to treat Subject4, Subject3 and Subject1 checking their vitals and giving them dry blankets to stay warm.  At approximately 0715 i, officer was notified of the incident. 
  
  Immediately, i got ready and patrolled to the incident scene. When i arrived, the operator and victims were not on scene.  I began interviewing officers and took the lead in the investigation.  Victim’s body was recovered and respectfully brought to shore where the medical examiner met us at the access area.  Belmont police department took charge of the death notification with the family.  I am awaiting results from the medical examiner's office for alcohol and/or drugs. 
  
  *****please note:  once the results from the medical examiner's office is received, this report will be updated at that time********
  
  
  End of report
  