Elderly man drowns in Orange County west of Chapel Hill

CHAPEL HILL (WTVD) -- An 86-year-old man drowned at a pond off Highway 54 and Gold Mine Loop Road in Orange County, deputies said.

Tuesday afternoon the Orange County Sheriff's Office responded to a call and found the body of the elderly man. They say he died sometime within 24 hours of finding him.

Family members say they last heard from him Monday evening when he said he was going fishing. The family was concerned when they couldn't reach him on Tuesday. A fishing rod and a tackle box were found near the body.

Deputies say they believe it's an accidental drowning, but the investigation is ongoing.