Teen who drowned in Fort Bragg lake identified

Brenton Briggs was at Boundary Line Lake with a group of teens, Principal Tom Hatch said. The car they were in started sliding off a boat ramp into the water, and Briggs couldn't escape in time, Hatch said.

No other injuries were reported.

"(They were) just celebrating New Year's, taking in the sunset (and) taking pictures," Hatch said. "(The car) lost tracking and went into the water, and he wasn't able to get out of the vehicle. He was the only person in the vehicle when it happened."

A member of the Future Business Leaders of America, Briggs planned to enroll at North Carolina A&T State University and eventually join the military, the principal said.

A school-sponsored event to remember Briggs drew about 175 students Tuesday night.

"Brenton was well liked by the senior class here at Reid Ross," Hatch said. "You could see him interacting with his classmates. There might be a serious issue going on, and as soon as he walked to the table, you could see them laughing, you know. They would look at him, and he would have a smile on his face."

The lake, which is off of McArthur Road, is in an open area of Fort Bragg, meaning that it's accessible to the public without having to go through a security checkpoint.

Members of the Army Criminal Investigative Command and Fort Bragg military police are investigating the incident.