Victim in Blackwater River drowning identified

10:08 a.m. by Candice Nelson

The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries has released the name of the man who drowned in the Blackwater River on Saturday. Officers say it was Christopher Odum, 38, of Union Hall.

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A canoeing trip turned deadly.

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries says a 38-year-old man from Franklin Co. drowned in the Blackwater River Saturday.

It happened north of Rocky Mount, near the water filtration plant on Route 220.

Conservation police say the victim’s canoe got caught in rough waters dear a dam, then capsized.

Three people tried to save him but were unsuccessful.

The VDFIG says the river is swollen and only experienced canoers or kayakers should be on it.