The body of a Raleigh man missing since Saturday was recovered from Lake Gaston around 1:30 p.m. today.

Major Bruce Temple of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office said it appears 24-year-old Karl Besas was a drowning victim.

Lieutenant Chuck Hasty said in a press release Besas was recovered by Littleton Fire Department members.

Dive Teams from around the Roanoke Valley and Virginia conducted an extensive search since Saturday. “The Halifax County Sheriff’s Office would thank all firemen, divers, and EMS personnel from the various departments for their hard work and dedication in this operation,” Hasty said.

Detective Tyree Davis said the family, “Was very thankful and appreciative for all the effort that went into finding Mr. Besas.”  

The sheriff’s office told rrspin.com Monday authorities presume Besas drowned when he and friends went for an early morning swim Saturday off Vincent Circle in the Myrick Estates subdivision.

The friends took a boat and when they were done discovered Besas was not with them.

Davis said the investigation is still open at this time pending an autopsy report which Hasty said was requested by the family and law enforcement.