Body of New Kent drowning victim recovered

The body of a Providence Forge man has been recovered from the Pamunkey River.

New Kent Fire and Rescue pulled the body of William G. Hodges, 68, of the 6300 block of Pocahontas Trail at approximately 8:30 a.m. this morning (Sept. 2). Chief deputy J. Joe McLaughlin Jr. said the victim was not wearing a life vest. Hodges’ body was located 40 yards on the eastern shoreline from the victim’s last known contact with eyewitnesses.

McLaughlin said on Aug. 31, Hodges was attempting to start his stalled pontoon boat that became stranded on the Pamunkey River. After two failed attempts, witnesses say Hodges told observers that he was going to attempt swimming across the river to the shoreline, approximately 200 yards away. According to McLaughlin, river conditions were murky, with debris obstructing the path, and a fast moving current.

Witnesses say Hodges submerged under the water and did not resurface. No other boaters were in the area at the time of the incident and the man was apparently the single occupant of the vehicle.

McLaughlin added the boat was registered to Hodges, who apparently launched from a private ramp onto the river. The chief deputy cannot confirm or deny if any safety equipment was on the vehicle at the time of the incident.