In a tragic incident on Independence Day, an 18-year-old teenager from Colorado lost his life after jumping into an electrified lake during a visit to Virginia. Jesse Hamric, a recent graduate of Steamboat Springs High School, was enjoying a vacation with his family and friends when the unfortunate incident occurred.

According to the Bedford County Sheriff's Office, Hamric ventured into Smith Mountain Lake outside Roanoke on Thursday morning. However, his friends quickly realized that something was amiss when he entered the water. Two individuals bravely dove into the lake to assist him, only to discover the presence of electricity in the water. Deputies determined that stray voltage from a nearby residence's dock was the cause behind this devastating accident.

Fire crews were also alerted to the incident and conducted tests, confirming the presence of electricity in the water. Hamric's friends, despite suffering minor injuries themselves, managed to pull him out of the lake and immediately performed CPR until emergency responders arrived around 4 a.m. Sadly, Hamric was pronounced dead after being transported to a nearby hospital.

Authorities are treating Jesse Hamric's death as an accident and are conducting an investigation into the matter. The homeowner responsible for the voltage issue has been notified and will collaborate with an electrician to rectify the problem, according to Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire/Rescue Assistant Chief Ray Talley.

Hamric, a football and baseball player known for his athleticism, was described as a beloved friend and a beacon of positivity by his community. Since his passing, a GoFundMe page has been created to support his family and establish the "Jesse Cyrus Hamric Foundation for Courage and Love." The fundraiser has seen an outpouring of support, with donations exceeding $72,000 as of early Monday morning.

The Hamric family has received an overwhelming amount of support, with the fundraiser's organizers expressing gratitude for the community's generosity. Friends and supporters are joining forces to honor Jesse's memory and convey their deepest condolences to his family.

This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety precautions and the need for vigilance when it comes to electrical equipment near bodies of water. Authorities will continue their investigations, hoping to prevent such tragedies in the future.

As the community mourns the loss of a cherished individual, the legacy of Jesse Hamric will live on through the foundation established in his honor, dedicated to spreading courage and love to those in need.