FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. – A fishing accident left one man dead after he fell into Smith Mountain Lake Friday.
Richard Donald Haynes, III was handling a fishing boat when fell into the water about 25 feet from the Penhook Boat ramp. The boat kept drifting out into the cove,as Haynes tried unsuccessfully to climb back into the boat. He then attempted to swim back to shore.
A person standing on the dock noticed he was struggling and jumped into the water to try to help Haynes. Two others threw a lifejacket into the lake.
Once the men got Haynes to the dock, CPR was administered but they were unable to revive him.
Haynes, of Axton, was not wearing a lifejacket when he fell into the water and drowned.