Missing Swimmer Found Dead In Reservoir Near Baltimore County Line

FINKSBURG, MD — A missing swimmer was found dead recently near the border of Baltimore County and Carroll County, authorities said.

The Carroll County Sheriff's Office said the body of Smith Veras, 20, was found Saturday in Liberty Reservoir near Finksburg. Veras had been missing since Thursday.

Foul play is not suspected, but the death remains under investigation.

"He and three friends were swimming. They went down and jumped in the water. They swam across to an island, and about halfway across, this gentleman, ... he started to go underwater," Lt. Brandon Holland of the Carroll County Sheriff's Office said, according to WJZ. "He was last seen about halfway across."

The search spanned parts of three days and centered on the area around Deer Park Road near the Baltimore County line. It involved first responders and divers from agencies across Maryland and Delaware.

Veras' family traveled from Queens, New York, during the investigation and was provided lodging nearby during the search.

"It is popular for teens and young adults to come down here and want to swim, but it is illegal. It can go from three feet deep to about 70 feet deep is where we think he was last seen," Holland said, according to The Baltimore Banner. "So, it is not safe, and again, it is illegal."

WJZ said the reservoir has "No Swimming" warning signs posted because of rapid drop-offs, currents and hidden rocks and branches. WJZ also reported that the reservoir's deep waters make for low temperatures and a risk of hypothermia.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Smith Veras during this tragic time," the Carroll County Sheriff's Office said in a press release.

This map shows the area where authorities said they were searching for the swimmer.