The body of an 18-year-old Vernon man has been recovered from Lake Altus-Lugert.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol officials say Jessie Ramirez and three friends were swimming at the Horsehead Cove area of the lake Sunday afternoon.  Ramirez' friends told officials he went under the water and never resurfaced.

Law enforcement and volunteer searchers located the body in 18-20 feet of water shortly before sunset.  Ramirez' body was sent to Oklahoma City for an autopsy.

Heavy rains last year were blamed for two drownings at the lake. Granite residents Stewart Sullins, 25 and Johnny Robertson, 47,  drowned while fishing below the dam in June of 2015. 39-year-old Blair resident Kerry Carter also drowned while swimming in the lake in June of last year.

Sources: KAUZ, NewsOK.com

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