Search crews recovered the body of 20-year-old Germantown resident and Towson University student Nazir Bell on Tuesday afternoon, June 16, following a three-day search of the Potomac River near Great Falls, according to Chief Spokesperson for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) Pete Piringer.
Bell was reported missing Sunday evening after becoming separated from a group while swimming in the river and failing to resurface. Throughout the search operation, family members remained nearby, holding vigil and awaiting word from responders. Authorities confirmed Tuesday that Bell’s body had been recovered. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
The search began after emergency crews were dispatched around 6:15 p.m. Sunday to the area near Billy Goat Trail A and Sandy Landing for a reported swimmer in distress. The response involved the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue, and other partner agencies conducting coordinated searches by land, air and water.
The initial operation included approximately 45 rescue personnel, eight boats and underwater sonar equipment operated by MCFRS Swift Water Rescue teams. Despite extensive efforts Sunday and Monday, Bell was not immediately located. Search operations resumed Tuesday morning before crews ultimately recovered his body earlier in the afternoon.
