At approximately 2:30 p.m. on May 4, James City County Emergency
Communications Center received a call regarding a possible drowning incident atthe College Creek area of the Colonial Parkway.
Witnesses reported that a 25-year-old male, later identified as Walter
James Torres, Jr., a member of the U.S. Navy stationed aboard the USS SanFrancisco, was approximately 50 yards offshore attempting to swim to a sandbar
with friends. Torres reportedly began to struggle and a friend attempted tograb him, but Torres went under and did not resurface.
Emergency officials with James City County Police Department (including
Marine Patrol and Underwater Search and Recovery Team), James City County FireDepartment (including EMS and Water Rescue Team), U.S. Coast Guard, National
Park Service, VA Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, VA Marine Police,York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office, York Fire Department and Newport News Police
Department responded to the scene and attempted search and rescue operations.
At approximately 6 p.m., the body of Walter James Torres, Jr. was located by divers. He was located approximately 25 yards off shore in the general vicinity of where he was last seen.
The medical examiner was contacted and responded to the scene.
The Colonial Parkway was closed in the area of College Creek forseveral hours while officials worked to locate the victim.
Media contact:
Deputy Chief Steve Rubino
757-592-6490; steve.rubino@jamescitycountyva.gov