Teenager, 18, dies after 'jumping into electrified lake' as friends suffer 'shock'

An 18-year-old teenager tragically drowned after jumping into an "electrified lake" - as his desperate friends suffered an electric shock trying to save him.

Jesse Hamric, from Colorado, was with friends and family during a Fourth of July gathering at Smith Mountain Lake at a private home with a dock when the horrific accident happened.

The teen jumped into the lake when friends quickly spotted he was in trouble. They attempted to jump in to rescue Jesse only to suffer an electric shock.

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Despite the painful shock, they were able to pull him out of the water and perform CPR. However, he tragically died at a local hospital.

Police believe Jesse and the two friends were electrocuted in the water, which can happen when faulty wiring on boats or docks releases energy into the lake.

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An autopsy is underway on the teenager and a boat was lifted near the scene of the accident, which could have caused Jesse's death.

Investigators have already discovered the water tested had electricity in it and believe this stray voltage from a privately owned dock was the cause of his death, according to police.

Tributes have been paid to the teen who was described as a beloved member of the community.

"Ever since I first met that kid, I mean, he's like one of a kind,' friend Alex Schwab told KDVR . "You see him and you just, like, he always has a smile on his face.

The two friends who attempted to rescue Jesse were treated for their injuries at the scene and released. "I still can't even like process it. I'm so upset by it", Alex added.

Jesse was an athlete at Steamboat Springs High School in Colorado, where his dad, Jay, was the principal. He had just graduated from school a month ago, the school held a prayer vigil for him on Friday at the local church.

The school posted a statement on its website following Jesse's death. "We are deeply saddened by the passing of a recent Steamboat Springs High School graduate,' they write.

They added that mental health counselors and crisis response professionals will be offered to the community.

"Please take a moment to care for yourself, lean into those around you for support, and care for each other. Our thoughts are with all of you", they added.