Local Burke County Man Found Deceased in Lake James

Burke County -- June 24, 2024: Burke County Sheriff Department Press Release: On 06-21-2024 at 8:13 p.m., the Burke County Sheriff’s Office

responded to the Lake James State Park, in reference to a death investigation. 

Visitors of the park located a person floating in the water. It was determined that the person was not breathing, and they called 911 for assistance. Burke County Sheriff’s Office, Burke County Rescue Squad, Burke County EMS, and Longtown Volunteer Fire Department First Responders, responded to the scene to assist Lake James State Park Rangers already on the scene. It was determined that the victim, Presley Junior Jaynes, 76, of Morganton, was deceased. 

Burke County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division was called to the scene for further investigation. The incident is still under investigation.

Agencies involved:
Burke County Sheriff’s Office
North Carolina State Parks
Burke County EMS
Longtown Volunteer Fire Department
Burke County Rescue