WHITE LAKE — A 22-year-old Robeson County man drowned Friday in White Lake, according to the White Lake Police Department.
Randy Edward Locklear Jr., of Lumberton, died while trying to retrieve a float at Goldston’s Beach just before 3 p.m., according to White Lake police Sgt. Terry Fell. He was with three friends, one of whom almost drowned while trying to help Locklear, according to Fell.
Fell said the float blew off of a pier and Locklear jumped in the water to grab it.
“The float went out too far and he swam after it,” Fell said. “… It was his first time jumping in the water at the lake.
“The friend swam out and tried to save him, but couldn’t. … He made it to him but he was unable to get him out.”
Fell said Locklear’s friend needed assistance in getting back to the shore.
Fell said the pier is about 300 feet long, and Locklear drowned about 35 yards from the pier, in 7 to 8 feet of water. White Lake is a popular swimming hole for local residents as well as tourists.
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