7-year-old boy drowns while trying to save his friend, family says

By Dave Faherty, WSOC via CNN Newsource
Published: Apr. 6, 2026 at 4:57 PM EDT
Updated: 1 hour ago

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Family members said Abel Friday-Williams drowned Wednesday at the bottom of a waterfall in a pond near Bruce Meisner Park.
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The area near the waterfall is part of the city’s northwest wastewater treatment pump station.

City leaders also said Hickory did not build the path leading to the falls and it is not intended for public use.

But Abel’s family said there needs to be public awareness about how dangerous the area is.
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More... including video at the link:

https://www.1011now.com/2026/04/06/7-year-old-boy-drowns-while-trying-save-his-friend-family-says/