Divers search for drowning victim

Crews are currently searching for the body of a teenager who reportedly drowned Sunday afternoon at Bates Landing near Phil Campbell.

PHIL CAMPBELL – Crews are currently searching for the body of a teenager who reportedly drowned Sunday afternoon at Bates Landing near Phil Campbell.

Franklin County Sheriff Shannon Oliver said rescue crews received a call at approximately 3 p.m. stating an 18-year-old male had jumped from a 15-ft. high rock at Bates Landing into water that is approximately 40-ft. deep.

Oliver said the teen reportedly surfaced briefly before going back under the water and never resurfaced.

Oliver said onlookers who witnessed the accident called 911.

According to officials at the scene, the teen was swimming at Upper Bear Reservoir with his two brothers and his father.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Phil Campbell Police Department, Phil Campbell Rescue Squad, the Franklin County Dive Team, the Bear Creek Development Authority, and Alabama Game & Fish officials are all on the scene.