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ARDEN -- The deceased body of an 18-year-old male was found late Wednesday evening after emergency responders entered the Tygart Valley River at the popular recreational area known as "Party Rock" in Barbour County.
The victim, Tyreon Terrell Jackson, went into the water at approximately 6 p.m. and never resurfaced, according to a press release from the Barbour County Sheriff's Department.
Jackson had entered the water by Moats Falls, which is where first responders on the scene began to search for, and eventually located, Jackson. He was deceased when rescuers were able to find him, officials said.
Jackson was from Detroit, Michigan, and was in West Virginia visiting family in the Clarksburg area, the release states. Death notification was made to the victim's family.
The West Virginia State Police, Philippi Police Department, the Junior Fire Department, the Belington, Elkins, Philippi and Nutter Fort fire departments, and Barbour County EMS Squad all assisted with the search.
Over the years more than 50 people have drowned at Party Rock and many more have sustained very serious injuries, officials said. The section of the river where the rock is located is extremely dangerous because of water speeds and underwater caverns in that area.
For years officials have dealt with multiple incidents at the location and have been trying to steer people clear of the spot, which continues to be a popular hangout for college students from throughout the Mountain State.