Former Galax star drowns in New River

The body of a Galax, Virginia, man who disappeared in the New River in Virginia on July 29 was found two days later.

Lawrence Antonio Parsons, 31, of Galax disappeared in the river in Wythe County July 29, according to law enforcement officials there. His body was found July 31 near the same spot he had gone missing.

Parsons, 31, was a basketball and football standout at Galax High School, leading the Maroon Tide to back-to-back state championships in basketball in 2011 and 2012. He was named the State Player of the Year in 1A in 2012 for basketball by the Virginia High School Coaches Association.

“With heavy hearts, we offer our sincerest condolences to the loved ones of Lawrence Parsons,” the Wythe County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement released July 31. “We are humbled by the dedication and expertise of the following agencies in their assistance during the New River operation: Christiansburg Fire and Rescue, Wythe County Emergency Services, Virginia Conservation and Park Police, Virginia Wildlife and Conservation Police, Virginia State Police, Barren Springs Fire Department, Max Meadows Fire Department, and Christian Aid Ministries.”

According to local media reports, Wythe County dispatchers fielded a call at approximately 1 p.m. on July 31 notifying them the victim’s body has been spotted near the Jackson Ferry Bridge. The Search and Recovery Team of the Virginia State Police were able to recover the victim shortly after.

The Wythe County Sheriff’s Office said there was a police officer nearby when the call came in July 29 but he was not able to find the swimmer. First responders arrived on scene at 7:49 p.m. and began search and rescue efforts, which continued until just after 11 p.m. when visibility became too limited to proceed. Efforts continued the morning of July 30 and continued during the course of the day with 22 agencies assisting in the search.