Officials: 16-year-old drowns after being swept away by river in Great Smoky Mountains National Park [Video]

CHEROKEE, N.C. (WVLT/Gray News) – Officials with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park said a 16-year-old boy drowned on the North Carolina side of the park Monday evening.

Rangers responded to the Oconaluftee River around 5 p.m. for a report of a teen losing his footing and falling into the river behind the Mountain Farm Museum.

His body was recovered by a swift water rescue team around 6:30 p.m.

Multiple agencies responded to the incident including Cherokee Fire and Rescue, Cherokee Police Department, Smokies Life employees and National Park Service staff and volunteers.

Emily Davis, a spokesperson for the park, reminded visitors that water recreation was not recommended in the park due to hazards and dangers.

“When recreating in the outdoors, always use caution around any swift-moving water,” Davis said. “There are no lifeguards in the park and help can often be hours away.”

Davis provided important safety rules when being in …