Statesville man hurt in diving accident in Stoneville

STONEVILLE — A Statesville resident was injured Monday evening while diving into shallow water on Old Anglin Loop in Stoneville.

According to a news release from the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office, Zachary Alexander Routh, 18, struck his head against a rock, suffering a head laceration and a possible spinal cord injury. He was airlifted to Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem. Nine other people were charged with second-degree trespassing in conjunction with the incident.

“As the weather temperature increases and the school year ends, there will be an increase in water recreation,” said Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page. “I caution everyone to practice water safety and recognize the negative effects of consuming alcohol during this recreational time. This incident is sad and I hope the public will learn from mistakes of others. I should also encourage everyone to only use the public access areas provided when visiting our rivers.”