Rescue crews search for missing Towson student presumed drowned in Potomac River

Rescue crews are in a multiple-day search for a 20-year-old Towson University student who went missing in the Potomac River.

Nazir Bell was swimming with friends near the Billy Goat Trail A and Sandy Landing on Sunday evening when he separated from the group. Fire and rescue officials said Bell is presumed to have drowned.

Multiple agencies from Maryland and Virginia are involved in the search.

"Apparently, this young man had been swimming across and called out for his friends for help and then disappeared under the water," Montgomery County Fire and Rescue spokesperson Pete Piringer said.

Search for missing swimmer

On Sunday, a spokesperson with the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue said rescuers searched Bell's last known location, south of Sandy Landing, by land, boat, and air, but the search was suspended.

The search resumed on Monday near Great Falls, with crews on swift water boats and the use of the U.S. Park Police Eagle 1 helicopter.

Officials said the search will continue on Tuesday.

The Potomac River near Great Falls is known for its powerful currents. Even veteran kayakers said the area is dangerous.

"I've been doing this for over 30 years here, and there hasn't been a year gone by where somebody hasn't drowned," a kayaker said. 

"Can't imagine what his family is going through"

The last time Bell spoke with his mother was when he said he was going to Virginia with his friends.

"He went out with his friends, and he told me he was going to Virginia," Nazir's mother said.  "I didn't know that yesterday was going to be my last day."

Bell had just finished his freshman year at Towson.  

"I can't imagine what his family is going through," Shalanda Freeman said. "Keep holding on for hope and know that God is with them."

Towson student killed in recent shooting

The search for the missing Towson University student comes nearly two weeks after another Towson student was shot and killed in the middle of the day.

Baltimore County police said on June 5, 22-year-old Nasir Majied was found in his vehicle along York Road near Towson Circle, suffering from gunshot wounds. He was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.   

The suspect has not been arrested, as police continue to determine a motive. Officers have not ruled out road rage.