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Deputies: Lake Anna drowning victim likely lost his footing

Posted at 10:12 PM, May 30, 2012
and last updated 2012-05-30 23:02:11-04

LOUISA COUNTY, Va. (WTVR) - Louisa County investigators say the man fishermen found on Lake Anna apparently drowned, and they believe he could have been underwater for at least three days since the body was badly bloated and decomposed.

A pair of divers from the Louisa County Sheriff’s Department used a black body bag and hoisted the body of Robert Coleman Adams of Roanoke to higher ground from the water’s edge. Two fishermen had made the gruesome discovery around 12:45 Wednesday afternoon along one of Lake Anna’s inlets.

“We are thinking it happened in the early part of the weekend,” said Major Donnie Lowe. “He possibly drowned. As of now there's no indication of foul play or acts of violence."

Deputies said Adams was fishing off a concrete embankment sometime this past weekend. They say he probably slipped and then fell into the water.

"It's a very, very steep slope,” said Lowe. “It's hard to maneuver if you're just sitting. If you’re by yourself, it's almost a given that something can go wrong in that location."

Lake Anna was bustling with Memorial Day weekend action, but no one has come forward to say they saw Adams fall in. If you were out on the lake and believe you saw him fishing under the Mill Pond Bridge, your information could help deputies determine a timeline as to when exactly Adams drowned.

“The fishing may be good out here but it's not worth risking your life,” said Lowe. “Take a buddy with you at least."

Deputies say Adams’ estranged wife lives in Louisa.

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