WASHINGTON, D.C. — A summer swim turned tragic Sunday evening when an 18-year-old from Dumfries, Virginia, drowned in the Potomac River near Cockpit Point after being swept away by powerful currents.
Victim Identified as Manuel De Jesus Flores Bustillo
Authorities have identified the victim as Manuel De Jesus Flores Bustillo, who went missing during a recreational swim with two friends. According to officials, the group had been enjoying a day at the beach on the Virginia side of the river when they decided to swim out toward a pier that extends into Maryland waters.
The friends successfully reached the twelfth piling of the pier and began their return swim. However, around that time, the tide began to shift and the water current intensified—turning their swim into a dangerous situation.
Swift Currents Proved Fatal
As the current grew stronger, one of the teens managed to reach the shoreline with assistance, while another clung to a pier piling for safety. Tragically, Bustillo was unable to hold on. Witnesses say he struggled briefly before slipping below the surface and disappearing. He did not resurface.
The Maryland Natural Resources Police responded around 4:30 p.m. after receiving a request for support from Virginia emergency responders. A coordinated, multi-agency search effort was quickly launched.
Body Recovered by Dive Team
After nearly three hours of searching, the Prince William County Police Dive Team recovered Bustillo’s body from the water at approximately 7:30 p.m. His remains were found not far from where he was last seen.
Authorities say an initial examination found no signs of trauma or foul play. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine whether an autopsy will be conducted, though early findings indicate drowning as the likely cause of death.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
The case remains under active investigation by the Prince William County Police Department, which is working on compiling a full report detailing the events leading up to the drowning.
The incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks posed by natural bodies of water, especially during changing tides and unpredictable currents. The Potomac River, though popular for recreation, is known for its sudden shifts in current and strong undertows.
Water Safety Emphasized
Following the tragic event, officials are urging swimmers to be cautious when entering open waters like rivers, where conditions can change rapidly without warning. Experts recommend wearing life jackets, swimming in designated safe areas, and never venturing into the water alone.
Bustillo’s death marks yet another reminder of the importance of water safety, particularly during the summer months when many take to rivers and lakes to cool off.
Friends and family are now mourning the loss of a young life cut short, as the community awaits final details from the ongoing investigation.
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