News Release

ROANOKE, Va. – The Coast Guard is investigating a crane accident at Smith Mountain Lake that resulted in the death of the crane operator Monday.

Deceased is Roger Dale Goad, 54, of Henry, Va.

At about 12 p.m., Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire and Rescue responded to a report of a submerged crane on private property. The crane, which was on top of a barge, was being used for dock reconstruction at the time of the incident. The crane remains submerged in approximately 50 feet of water. The crane owner is working on a salvage plan to remove the crane.