Physique of lacking swimmer present in Potomac Ricer – NBC4 Washington

The physique of the lacking Maryland faculty scholar swimming within the Potomac River was recovered on Tuesday, in keeping with Montgomery County officers.

Crews from the Montgomery County hearth division recovered the physique of 20-year-old Nazir Bell early Tuesday afternoon days after they began their search on Sunday night.

Bell was a graduate of Bethesda Chevy-Chase High School and a rising senior at Towson University.

“He’s a beautiful soul,” mentioned his mom, Shante Smith. “He was gentle, sweet and kind. And he’d do anything for anybody.”

It was alleged to be a enjoyable outing with associates. Bell had gone swimming within the Potomac River close to the Billy Goat Trail when he started to wrestle.

“Witnesses say their friend called for help, he went underwater and never resurfaced,” mentioned Pete Piringer with Montgomery County Fire and Rescue.

Rescue crews responded instantly and continued their search on Monday and Tuesday.

“This is devastating,” his mom mentioned. “It’s horrible. It’s the worst thing that a mom could ever imagine. I don’t know what to say.”

“Nazir was a great son, a great young man, rising senior at Towson, great grades, just overall a great kid,” mentioned his father, Jamal Smith. “You couldn’t ask for a better son.”

Bell was finding out economics at Towson University. His household says he beloved studying, style, and studying new languages.

“I think he was speaking Spanish before he was in kindergarten,” his cousin, Jasmine Mitchell, mentioned. “He’s so smart. I love him, and I just hope we find him.”

“He’s just a baby,” mentioned Sherise Girdy, one other cousin. “He’s only 20 years old, and we don’t know what to do. We’re heartbroken right now, and any help we could get, we really appreciate it.”

First responders say murky water and low visibility made the search troublesome.

Over 40 first responders and eight boats from the Montgomery and Fairfax county hearth departments have been trying to find the person Sunday evening, in keeping with David Pazos, the Montgomery County hearth division’s assistant chief.

The U.S. Park Police additionally used a helicopter to go looking above water, in keeping with Piringer.

Throughout the search, Piringer mentioned members of the family stayed shut by as they waited phrase from responders. The hearth division mentioned he was presumed useless on Monday.

“Our thoughts are with the family,” Piringer mentioned in a put up on X.

The Montgomery County Fire Department mentioned it desires to remind folks that swimming within the Potomac River just isn’t allowed, and though the water can look calm, it may be as deep as 30 ft and the currents can change in a short time.