Body Recovered After Two-Day Search at Liberty Reservoir in Maryland
A tragic end has come to the search for a missing swimmer at Liberty Reservoir in Finksburg, Maryland. On July 5, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office recovered the body of Smith Veras, a 20-year-old man who disappeared while swimming on July 3.
Search Efforts and Recovery
An exhaustive two-day operation involving dive teams and helicopters scoured the reservoir following reports that Veras was last seen swimming on the Finksburg side, near Deer Park Road and the Baltimore County line. Crews worked continuously on Friday and Saturday, battling challenging conditions to locate the missing swimmer.
The Sheriff’s Office confirmed the recovery of Veras’s body, bringing a somber conclusion to the intensive search.
Family Involvement and Investigation Status
Veras’s family, traveling from Queens, New York, arrived to support emergency crews during the search. Authorities extended their deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of the deceased.
“At this time, investigators do not suspect foul play. However, the incident remains under investigation,” a statement from the Sheriff’s Office read.
Safety Concerns at Liberty Reservoir
Officials reiterated that swimming is prohibited at Liberty Reservoir due to potentially dangerous depths, with some areas reaching 70-80 feet. This tragic incident underscores the risks associated with unauthorized swimming in the reservoir.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities seek to determine the precise circumstances surrounding Veras’s death.
