MINERAL, Va. — The man who drowned at Lake Anna Thursday evening has been identified as Mason Fercovic-Ortegel, an off-duty Spotsylvania County firefighter.
The Louisa County Sheriff's Office received a report of a possible drowning near Seay Point Road in Spotsylvania County around 7:30 p.m. Witnesses reported that Fercovic-Ortegel was on a boat with several other individuals when he entered the water, went underwater, and did not resurface. Those on the scene attempted to find the 24-year-old after losing sight of him.
Divers found his body just before midnight following an hours-long search.
Spotsylvania County Interim Fire Chief Jason Irby said Fercovic-Ortegel joined the department in 2024 and quickly made a strong impression.
"Mason has been a member of our department since 2024 and in a short period of time, made a lasting impact on our members and the community that we serve. Mason was a great firefighter, but more importantly, he was a better person," Irby said.
WATCH: Crews search for 24-year-old man who 'went underwater' at Lake Anna
Irby asked the community to respect the family's privacy as they grieve the "tremendous loss."
"Our hearts are with Mason's family, his friends, and everyone in our department who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him," Irby said.
He also expressed gratitude for the support the department has received.
"I want to thank the men and women of our department for their support, the members of our community and the outpouring of love that they have provided, and also our surrounding jurisdictions and state agencies who have been there to support us," Irby said.
Lt. Col. Delbert Myrick of the Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office said the case remains "open and active" through its criminal investigations division.
Myrick added that peer support resources are available for officers and employees affected by the loss.
The department called Fercovic-Ortegel's death a "heartbreaking loss."
This is a developing story. Email the CBS 6 Newsroom if you have additional information to share.
Watch for Joi Fultz's reporting on CBS 6 and WTVR.com. Have a story idea or tip for Joi? Email her.
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