Lake Norman, North Carolina – Duane Andrew Strong, a 64-year-old resident of Charlotte, North Carolina, has been identified as the victim in a tragic drowning incident at Lake Norman on Saturday morning. According to reports from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, Strong lost his life after jumping from a moving sailboat near the R1 Marker close to Belle Isle Drive.
The incident occurred around 10:21 a.m. when Strong, who was not wearing a life jacket, attempted to swim after jumping off the sailboat. Despite efforts from those on board to rescue him, they were unable to save him. The Cornelius Fire Department eventually recovered his body that evening around 6:10 p.m.
The search for Strong lasted approximately seven hours and involved multiple agencies, including the Huntersville Volunteer Fire Department, Denver Fire Department, Sherrills Ford – Terrell Fire & Rescue, Iredell County Sheriff’s Office, and Cornelius Police. The incident happened between Belle Isle and the nearby power plant, adding to the challenge of the search and recovery operation.
Duane Andrew Strong was known for his work at Acts Retirement-Life Communities and was a graduate of Carman and the University of Michigan. Originally from Flint, Michigan, he resided in Charlotte with his wife, Angela Strong. The couple had deep roots in both Michigan and North Carolina.
Funeral arrangements and an obituary for Duane Andrew Strong will be released by his family in the coming days. The community mourns the loss of a dedicated husband and respected member of the Charlotte area.