Search for missing man extends into deeper water at Singletary Lake

BLADEN COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The search for a missing man at a NC State Park in Bladen County continues this morning, with crews extending the water search into deeper portions of the lake.

Jesse Sgro, 23, was reported missing early Saturday morning. He was camping with a church group at Singletary Lake State Park, which is near White Lake.

NC Divison of Parks and Recreation Spokeswoman Katie Hall said two teams are on the lake this morning using side-scan SONAR in the search. Dive teams look more promising today, Hall said, due to better weather and water conditions.

While the water search will extend toward the middle of the lake, crews will also continue searching in shallow water near the shoreline.

The shoreline search on land is being discontinued due to dense brush that is hard to navigate by foot, Hall said.

Jesse’s father, David, said his son is a worship leader and was here on a retreat with his church.

Church pastor Stacy Long said Jesse went out on the lake in a canoe to watch the sunset, which is a tradition.

Jesse’s canoe was found upright in the lake with his cell phone and jacket inside.

“In my mind, I’m a father, my son is missing so there’s the hope that he’s just going to walk out of the woods or they’re going to find him,” David said. “There’s always the reality that we’re not going to see him. And that’s not an easy thing for a parent to consider.”

Hall said more than 15 search and rescue support teams will be in the park today, with more than 75 trained people contributing to the search.

We’ll have more on the search tonight on WWAY News.