Possible drowning at Ginnie Springs under investigation, Gilchrist County deputies say

HIGH SPRINGS, Fla. (WCJB) - Authorities are investigating a drowning reported at Ginnie Springs on Sunday night.

Gilchrist County Sheriff’s deputies say Jason McCrary, 50, was reported missing in the water around 7 p.m.

Witnesses said he was with a group of people swimming at the springs. They left him to go to the Santa Fe River, and when they returned, he was gone.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and GCSO searched the area and located his body on Monday.

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Investigators suspect McCrary’s death was an accidental drowning; however, the medical examiner’s office will perform an autopsy to determine the official cause of death.

TV20 spoke with Ethan Binns, a man visiting nearby Itchetucknee Springs who lost a close friend to a drowning on the St. Johns River. He says he’s being extra careful at the springs this year, especially with water levels very low.

“These water deaths come quick, even if you think you’re a good swimmer, even if you are a good swimmer, water is just unpredictable, and you have to be safe,” said Binns.

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