~ PVN staff report, based on PCSO press release issued July 8
LURAY, July 8 — The Page County Sheriff’s Office issued a press release midday Monday identifying the victim of a fatal drowning along the South Fork of the Shenandoah River in Page County on Sunday.
Melvin Sorto, a 37-year-old male from Washington, D.C., was last seen swimming in the Shenandoah River near the Compton Rapids a few miles north of Luray. Witness accounts stated that Sorto “became distressed, went under, and did not resurface,” according to the PCSO press release issued by Capt. Tim Lansberry.
The Page County Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a possible drowning on the Shenandoah River near Compton Rapids on Sunday, July 7 at about 4:07 p.m. PCSO, along with Luray and Shenandoah Fire Departments, Luray Rescue, and Page County EMS responded to the scene.
“The victim was pulled from the water by other bystanders who attempted to perform life-saving measures until EMS arrived,” the PCSO press release stated. “Tragically, the victim died at the scene.”
Law enforcement officials stated that they do not suspect foul play; however, alcohol is believed to be a factor in the fatal accident. The body was sent to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Manassas for an autopsy.
Follow the Page County Sheriff’s Office at https://pagesheriff.com/
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