In a deeply saddening turn of events, 75-year-old Tom Stenson, a resident of McGaheysville, Virginia, was found deceased in the waters near Beech Drive in Union Hall, bringing to a close a frantic and coordinated search that began after he was reported missing Wednesday evening. Authorities from Franklin County, with the support of multiple state and local agencies, have confirmed the tragic outcome following a recovery operation in the vicinity of Smith Mountain Lake.
According to a statement from the Franklin County Communications Center, a 911 call was received around 7 p.m. on Wednesday, alerting officials to the disappearance of an elderly man believed to be in the Union Hall area. The initial response was swift. Deputies from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office were joined by personnel from Franklin County Public Safety, the Smith Mountain Lake Marine Fire Rescue, the Virginia Conservation Police, and the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, forming a multi-agency task force dedicated to locating the missing individual.
The teams turned their attention to Smith Mountain Lake, a sprawling and popular recreational site that spans several counties and attracts hundreds of visitors in the summer months. With water-based and shoreline search efforts underway, crews scoured the area for any sign of Stenson. Hours later, their efforts concluded in the somber discovery of a body submerged in the water. Authorities later identified the deceased as Tom Stenson, bringing heartbreaking closure to the alert issued just hours earlier.
The body was transferred to the Medical Examiner’s Office, where an autopsy will be conducted to determine the official cause of death. While early indications do not suggest foul play or suspicious activity, officials have maintained that the investigation remains ongoing pending final autopsy results. Such caution is routine in cases involving water-related deaths, as medical examiners seek to understand whether drowning, preexisting medical conditions, or environmental factors contributed to the fatality.
While much remains unknown about the exact chain of events that led to Stenson’s tragic end, authorities are expected to release additional findings in the coming days. Questions remain unanswered: Was Tom Stenson engaging in recreational activity before the incident? Was he alone? Did a health emergency contribute to his disappearance? These are the inquiries officials now aim to address as they retrace his last known movements.
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office issued a public statement expressing heartfelt condolences to Stenson’s family and friends. The message acknowledged the sadness that surrounds any loss of life, particularly one involving an elderly individual in a vulnerable situation. The department also commended the search and rescue personnel, including marine rescue specialists and local sheriff deputies, for their professionalism, urgency, and coordinated response.
In Union Hall and surrounding communities, the news struck a somber chord. Search operations on Smith Mountain Lake are rare and often become the focus of intense public concern. The lake, known for its scenic beauty and recreational appeal, is no stranger to tragedy. The recovery of a local man who was simply reported missing less than a day prior served as a reminder of how quickly routine outings can shift into emergency situations.
For those who knew Tom Stenson personally, the loss has been described as deeply personal and unexpected. Described by friends as a gentle and kind-hearted man, Stenson was known for his quiet demeanor and generosity. While little public information has been shared about his personal history, those close to him have begun the grieving process, preparing to celebrate the life he lived while grappling with the painful reality of his sudden absence.
Officials have yet to confirm whether Stenson had any underlying health issues or if weather conditions may have played a role. Summer months bring an uptick in water-related accidents across Virginia, particularly involving older individuals who may be more susceptible to heat exhaustion, fatigue, or heart complications. While no such factors have been formally cited in Stenson’s case, the potential exists for such complications to be identified in the forthcoming autopsy report.
The incident has reignited local conversations around water safety, particularly for seniors. Emergency officials continue to encourage the public to take precautions when around lakes and rivers, including wearing life jackets, avoiding solitary outings, and informing family or neighbors before venturing onto the water. It’s a message especially emphasized during peak recreation periods like the Fourth of July weekend, when Smith Mountain Lake often sees its highest levels of traffic.
Until final results are made public, the Sheriff’s Office urges patience and reflection. The search operation may have concluded, but the questions of how and why remain, not only for investigators but also for those who loved Tom Stenson. He is remembered not only as a name in a news headline, but as a valued member of McGaheysville’s tight-knit community—one whose gentle presence is already missed.
As this case continues to unfold, officials reiterate their commitment to transparency. Additional details will be released as appropriate, especially once the medical examiner completes their work. For now, the collective focus remains on honoring Tom Stenson’s memory and supporting his family through a moment that no loved one is ever truly prepared to face.
The lake has returned to its calm appearance. The boats continue to glide across its surface. But for the family of Tom Stenson, and the officers and rescue workers who searched in hope but recovered in sorrow, the stillness now holds a different weight—a silent tribute to a man whose last moments remain veiled in mystery, and whose life, though ended, leaves behind a profound echo in the hearts of many.