Quarry Drowning Victim Identified, Death Ruled Accidental

Fredericksburg Police Department has identified the victim in a drowning Monday evening at the Fredericksburg quarry.

Anthony Mandel Johnson Jr., 18, was from Triangle. The medical examiner has ruled the cause and manner of his death as an accidental drowning.

Johnson was reportedly swimming in the quarry with three female friends, ages 15, 17 and 21 years old, according police spokesperson Natatia Bledsoe.

"The victim and one of his friends were swimming toward a rope swing when the victim began struggling in the water," Bledsoe said. "The female friend and other citizens at the quarry attempted to save him, but they were unable to do so."

First responders arrived at 7:40 p.m. and recovered Johnson from the water after about 45 minutes. He was rushed to Mary Washington Hospital in an attempt to save his life, but pronounced dead at the hospital a short time later, according to Bledsoe.

Police note that the quarry is private property with signs noting "No Trespassing" and warnings about swimming in the quarry. 

"Police will be increasing patrol in the area of the quarry throughout the remainder of the summer in an attempt to prevent a recurrence of last night’s drowning," Bledsoe said Tuesday.