Man who drowned in Lake Anna identified as Spotsylvania County firefighter
Spotsylvania firefighter drowns in Lake Anna
A Spotsylvania County firefighter is being remembered after drowning during a boating trip at Lake Anna. First responders searched for over four hours before recovering the body of Mason Fercovic‑Ortegel late Thursday night.
SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. - The man who drowned Thursday in Lake Anna has been identified as a Spotsylvania County firefighter, the department announced.
In a statement on its Facebook page, Spotsylvania County Fire, Rescue and Emergency Management said the victim was 24‑year‑old Mason Fercovic‑Ortegel.
RELATED: Body of boater found in Lake Anna in Spotsylvania County
The man who drowned Thursday in Lake Anna has been identified as Mason Fercovic-Ortegel, a Spotsylvania County firefighter. (Spotsylvania County Fire Rescue and Emergency Management)
The department called his death "a heartbreaking loss" and asked the community to keep his family, friends and colleagues in their thoughts during "this incredibly difficult time." Officials said they will support his loved ones and department members in the days ahead and honor his service to the community.
In a video press release Friday, Spotsylvania Fire Interim Chief Jason Irby called Fercovic-Ortegel "a great firefighter, but more importantly, he was a better person."
According to Irby, Fercovic-Ortegel had been with the department since 2024, "and in a short period of time, made a lasting impact on our members and the community we serve."
The backstory:
A 911 caller reported around 7:40 p.m. that Fercovic‑Ortegel, who had been boating earlier in the day, was unaccounted for after entering the water near Seay Point Road in Spotsylvania County. First responders from Spotsylvania, Louisa County and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources launched an extensive search.
Divers located and recovered his body at 11:58 p.m.
What's next:
The Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office is investigating the case.
The Source: Information in this article comes from Spotsylvania County Fire Rescue and Emergency Management and previous FOX 5 reporting.