Bibb deputies report second drowning in Ocmulgee River on Friday

Bibb County Sheriff's Office says 19-year-old Eddren Chester is Friday's second drowning victim in the Ocmulgee River

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office says a second person drowned in the Ocmulgee River Friday, marking two drownings in the river in one day.

Deputies responded to Frank Amerson Park just after 6 p.m. following a report of a possible drowning. Witnesses told deputies they saw their friend go under the water and tried to help him. After he went under a second time, they tried to find him but were unsuccessful.

The Macon-Bibb Fire Department was called to search and verify if the swimmer was still in the river. The fire department’s dive team located and recovered the body.

Coroner Leon Jones identified the drowning victim as 19-year-old Eddren Chester of Macon. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Chief Deputy Coroner Lonnie Miley, according to Jones, and his family has been notified.

Jones says an autopsy will be performed next week.