FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. (rbs news now) — A 75-year-old man was found dead on July 3 following a search near Beech Drive in the Union Hall area of Smith Mountain Lake.

Franklin County authorities say the search began around 7 p.m. after getting a call reporting a missing person in the area.

Multiple agencies responded, including the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Franklin County Public Safety, Smith Mountain Lake Marine Fire Rescue, Virginia Conservation Police, and the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office.

During the search effort, a body was discovered in the water.

The victim, identified as Tom Stenson of McGaheysville, was removed from the lake and pronounced deceased at the scene.

The body has been transported to the medical examiner’s office for autopsy.

Officials say no suspicious circumstances are currently suspected, though the investigation remains active pending official results.

Copyright 2025 by Romero Broadcasting System, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced, rewritten, or redistributed.

Leave a comment

Trending