Morganton man dies in Burke County Waterway, investigation ongoing

The Burke County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a person Friday evening (June 21) at Lake James State Park. According to a press release, the deceased is 76-year-old Presley Junior Jaynes of Morganton.

On Friday at 8:13 p.m., the Burke County Sheriff’s Office was called for a death at the park. Visitors to the park found a person floating in the water. It was determined that the person was not breathing and they called 911.

The Burke County Sheriff’s Office, Burke County Rescue Unit, Burke County EMS, and Longtown Volunteer Fire Department arrived at the scene to assist Lake James State Park rangers. The victim, Presley Junior Jaynes, was found deceased.

The sheriff’s criminal investigation unit was called to the scene. The investigation is ongoing.