7-Year-Old Boy Drowns Trying to Save Friend in North Carolina Pond

Incident occurred at a dangerous waterfall area near a city wastewater facility, raising concerns about public safety.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 1:35pm

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A 7-year-old boy tragically drowned in a pond in Hickory, North Carolina, while attempting to rescue his friend who had fallen into the water. The incident occurred near a small waterfall at a city wastewater treatment facility, an area that is not intended for public use and has been described as extremely slippery and hazardous.

Why it matters

This heartbreaking incident highlights the need for greater awareness and safety measures around dangerous bodies of water, especially in areas not designated for public access. It also raises questions about the city's responsibility for maintaining secure perimeters around potentially risky infrastructure.

The details

According to investigators, Abel Friday-Williams was found by firefighters at the bottom of the waterfall after going into the water to try and save his friend. The area is part of the city's Northeast Wastewater Treatment Facility pump station, and officials say the path leading to the falls was not built by the city and is not intended for public use.

  • The incident occurred last week near Bruce Meisner Park in Hickory, North Carolina.
  • Abel Friday-Williams, age 7, drowned while trying to save his friend.

The players

Abel Friday-Williams

A 7-year-old boy who tragically drowned in a pond while attempting to rescue his friend.

Lashun Ramseur

The victim's cousin, who said the situation is "very dangerous" and "heartbreaking."

Brianna Sledge

The victim's aunt, who said "he went in behind his friend to save his life and lost his."

Tara Rink

A parent who recently assisted in pulling a man and a little girl out of the same waterfall area, describing the conditions as "slick and dangerous."

Hickory Mayor

City leaders who said they will look at whether changes need to be made in the area to improve public safety.

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What they’re saying

“There needs to be awareness. Just looking at the situation, it is very dangerous. It's heartbreaking.”

— Lashun Ramseur, Victim's Cousin

“It breaks my heart because he saved his friend ... he went in behind his friend to save his life and lost his.”

— Brianna Sledge, Victim's Aunt

“I assisted in pulling them out because there's no way I could have gotten them out because the rocks are too slick. It's nothing but slime. It was terrifying.”

— Tara Rink, Parent

What’s next

The mayor of Hickory said city leaders will look at whether changes need to be made in the area to improve public safety and prevent future tragedies.

The takeaway

This heartbreaking incident underscores the need for greater oversight and safety measures around dangerous bodies of water, especially in areas not designated for public use. It serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of proper supervision and the risks posed by uncontrolled access to hazardous natural features.