Man drowns while swimming with friends in N.H. pond

A man drowned while swimming with friends in a pond in Swanzey, New Hampshire, Sunday. 

The man, 42-year-old Fredy Gavilanes Jami of Ecuador, was swimming with three friends in Wilson Pond Sunday afternoon. The group was near the shoreline, but Gavilanes Jami went underwater after entering an area of the pond with a steep drop-off. His friends initially did not notice his disappearance, according to New Hampshire State Police. 

Wilson Pond is about 72 acres, with 3,240 feet of shoreline. It has a maximum depth of 15.7 feet. 

Once they noticed Gavilanes Jami was missing, his friends called for help. Bystanders called 911 and attempted to help but were unable to bring Gavilanes Jami to the shore. An officer from the Swanzey Police Department was the first to arrive on scene. They immediately entered the pond and removed Gavilanes Jami. 

State Police Marine Patrol officers were notified of the reported drowning at 3:36 p.m. They responded to the scene alongside the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and first responders from nearby communities. 

They attempted lifesaving measures at the scene before Gavilanes Jami was transported to Cheshire Medical Center. He was pronounced dead at the hospital. 

The exact circumstances surrounding Gavilanes Jami’s death are under investigation, but authorities do not believe it was suspicious.