Officials in Leake County have identified the victim of Sunday’s drowning in the Pearl River as 17-year-old Frederick Robby Jones of Brandon.

Sheriff Greg Waggoner said Jones likely was caught in the river’s swift current as he waded out along a popular sandbar.

Waggoner said people at the river attempted to rescue Jones, but they were unsuccessful.

The sandbar is one mile south of Carthage where Mississippi 35 crosses the river.

Waggoner said the area was developed as a boat landing, but remains a popular swimming hole despite the dangers.