Drowning victim in Hideaway Lake identified

Monday morning at approximately 11:00 a.m., the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office (PRCSO) was called to the lodge area at Hideaway Lake in Carriere after workers had observed a body floating in the lake’s waters.

Chief Investigator Marc Ogden said that around 7:00 p.m. on Sunday night, an individual was observed by a Hideaway Lake security guard to be swimming in the designated swim area.

Ogden said it was believed by those who had been swimming in the area that the individual went home later than evening.

Ogden stated that workers at the lodge noticed the body the next morning and contacted authorities.

According to Pearl River County Coroner Derek Turnage, an autopsy is being performed on the body and it appears that accidental drowning was the cause of death.

The victim was identified by Turnage as Jonathan Samuel Lopez, age 18, of West Lakeshore Drive, Carriere, MS.