Benson man drowns in White Lake

WHITE LAKE — A 57-year-old Benson man drowned in White Lake on Sunday, officials said.

John Junior Godwin died in 7 or 9 feet of water near Goldston's Beach, said Ed Wilkerson, superintendent of Singletary Lake State Park. The water temperature was about 85 degrees.

Wilkerson said authorities received a call about 11:30 a.m. Sunday about a missing man in the lake.

“He was swimming by himself,” Wilkerson said. “We had a report that he was seen waving his arms.”

Wilkerson said officials with N.C. State Parks, the White Lake Police Department, White Lake Fire and Rescue and Bladen County Emergency Management participated in the search for the man. Sonar equipment and a four-person dive team were brought in to assist.

Godwin’s body was recovered at about 3:30 p.m. and taken to Bladen County Hospital. Wilkerson said next of kin has been notified.

Wilkerson said he didn’t know why Godwin drowned.

“He could have had any sort of medical issue or anything else that led to the drowning,” he said.

Wilkerson said Godwin wasn’t wearing a flotation device, but most people who go swimming don’t wear one.

“It’s a tragedy,” Wilkerson said. “Our division is very remorseful when something like this occurs.”

Staff writer Rodger Mullen can be reached at rmullen@fayobserver.com or 486-3561.