Body of missing Chatham County teen found in Sugar Lake

PITTSBORO, North Carolina (WTVD) -- The body of a teen who was reported missing near Sugar Lake in Pittsboro last week has been found.

Authorities had been searching for Gabriel Boone Cummins since his parents reported him missing on July 19.

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Officals said Tuesday, that the 18-year-old's body was found in Sugar Lake shortly after 1 a.m. The unofficial cause of death appears to be drowning. His body has been turned over to the medical examiner for analysis.

Cummins' family said the teen went by the name "Boone." He was last seen in the 300 block of Sugar Lake Road between 1 and 2 a.m. on July 19, according to officials.

Dive teams had been searching in areas of water 40-feet deep at Sugar Lake, but the former rock quarry reached depths of 100 feet or more. It is privately owned, but frequently trespassed authorities said.

RELATED: Chatham County sheriff suspends Sugar Lake dive search for missing teen

On Friday, officials determined that the lake floor was littered with old machinery and hazardous debris that would make further dive attempts highly dangerous for rescue personnel.

Deputies had K-9s searching the perimeter as well, but didn't find any trace of Boone.

They tell ABC11 that the teen had been asking friends to come to the lake with him.

Deputies say a friend ended up dropping Boone off on Sugar Lake Road, which was the last time anyone saw him.