July 17. NC Wildlife has released the identity of the 49-year-old man who drowned late yesterday afternoon near The Sandbar in Lake Norman.

Anthony Barnes fell off the back of a personal watercraft, according to NC Wildlife.

Friends mourned Anthony Barnes on his Facebook page today | Screenshot

A spokesperson said he was on the back of the PWC moving from The Sandbar to his own vessel which was anchored nearby.

On his Facebook page, friends mourned his passing.

Next of kin have been notified.

The recovery operation went on past sunset, with the Charlotte Fire Dive Team on the scene in addition to the Cornelius Lemley Fire Dept. and the Cornelius Police Dept.