Local News
Jayden Barreto Died After Jumping From Chimney Rock at Lake Martin During Graduation Celebration
A tragic accident at Chimney Rock claimed the life of 24-year-old Jayden Barreto, a Georgia man who was celebrating his college graduation with friends at Lake Martin, authorities confirmed.
According to Elmore County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Bill Franklin, Barreto, who was from the Columbus, Georgia area, was spending time at the popular lake destination Wednesday with a group of friends when the incident occurred.
Investigators said Barreto jumped from Chimney Rock, a well-known cliff-jumping location on Lake Martin, but never resurfaced after entering the water.
Emergency crews from multiple agencies quickly responded to the scene and launched a large-scale search and recovery operation after reports of a missing swimmer.
Authorities said divers spent several hours searching the water under difficult conditions before locating Barretoโs body approximately 50 feet underwater on a submerged shelf beneath the cliff area. Officials noted the water depth extended at least another 70 feet beyond that point.
Sheriff Franklin described the dangers associated with jumping from Chimney Rock, warning that the impact can be extremely dangerous depending on how a person enters the water.
โThe jump from Chimney Rock is like hitting a sheet of glass from 60 feet up,โ Franklin said. โIt all depends on how your body hits the water.โ
At approximately 9:45 p.m. Wednesday, Montgomery Fire Rescue confirmed that the missing swimmer had been located deceased and recovered from the lake following the extensive underwater search effort.
In a statement, Montgomery Fire Rescue said crews worked alongside several partner agencies during the prolonged recovery mission.
โCrews worked alongside multiple partner agencies in a coordinated and extended search effort under challenging conditions,โ the department stated.
Officials said Montgomery Fire Rescue deployed six divers who conducted systematic underwater search operations before locating Barreto.
Several agencies assisted in the operation, including the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Delta Division Dive Team, Montgomery EMA, and Elmore EMA.
Authorities said Barretoโs body was transported to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for an autopsy.
The tragedy has left family members, friends, and the local community mourning the loss of the young graduate whose celebration turned fatal in a matter of moments.
Officials continue reminding the public about the serious dangers associated with cliff jumping and deep-water recreation areas, particularly at heavily visited locations like Chimney Rock on Lake Martin.
Local News
Train Derails in Ferguson Involving Vehicles, Hazmat Team Called Over Ethyl Alcohol Rail Car
FERGUSON, Mo. โ A train derailment involving vehicles prompted an emergency response in Ferguson on Ferguson Avenue, where authorities requested a hazardous materials team after determining that one of the train cars contained ethyl alcohol.
Emergency units were dispatched to 617 Ferguson Avenue after reports of the rail incident. Responders found a train that had derailed with vehicles involved.
Officials confirmed there was no reported entrapment. Crews were checking the scene for injuries and evaluating those involved in the incident.
A Hazmat response was requested because one rail car involved in the derailment was carrying ethyl alcohol. Emergency crews were assessing the rail car for any potential leak or hazardous condition and working to secure the area.
The presence of ethyl alcohol prompted additional safety precautions while responders examined the derailed train and surrounding vehicles.
At this time, authorities have not released details about possible injuries, the cause of the derailment or the extent of damage.
The investigation and emergency response remain ongoing in Ferguson, and officials are expected to provide additional information once the scene has been fully assessed.