Chapel Hill – The community mourns the loss of longtime UNC‑Chapel Hill history professor Konrad Jarausch, whose body was recovered from Eastwood Lake on Tuesday afternoon. His wife, Hannelore Jarausch, spoke to WRAL about the tragic day, describing the couple’s love of swimming and the sudden turn that left them grieving.
Last Swim Together
“Most of the time we went swimming together, but he was a much stronger swimmer than I,” Hannelore said. The Jarausches had been enjoying a morning swim near Lakeshore Drive, a residential stretch that borders the lake. After swimming a short distance farther, Hannelore returned to the spot where they had started, only to find Konrad missing.
“I swam a little bit further, and I came back, and I couldn’t find him,” she recalled. “I didn’t have a phone with me, and there was no one else at the lake. So I went next door to the house adjacent to the swimming area to ask for help.”
Search and Recovery
Chapel Hill Police Department launched a search that lasted several hours. Divers and volunteers combed the water, and at approximately 2:30 p.m. they located Professor Jarausch’s body. Police have not released a cause of death and continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“It’s very difficult because I keep waiting for him to show up,” Hannelore said, her voice trembling. The professor leaves behind two adult sons and four grandchildren, all of whom are coping with the sudden loss.
Lake Safety Concerns
Eastwood Lake is listed by the Lake Forest Association as a “swim at your own risk” location. When asked whether the association plans to change that warning, a spokesperson did not respond immediately. Police confirmed they have no new updates on the investigation but reiterated the lake’s existing advisory.
Local residents are reminded to exercise caution when swimming in natural bodies of water, especially those without lifeguard supervision or posted safety measures. The tragedy underscores the importance of carrying a means of communication and swimming with a partner who can quickly summon help if needed.
Family and Community Response
The UNC community has expressed deep sorrow for the loss of a beloved educator who taught in Hamilton Hall for decades and authored more than 50 books on European history. Colleagues described him as a passionate scholar and a mentor who inspired generations of students.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced. In the meantime, friends, students, and neighbors are gathering to support the Jarausch family, offering prayers, meals, and a listening ear during this painful time.
What Comes Next
Police will continue their investigation into the circumstances of the drowning. The Lake Forest Association is expected to review its safety signage and may consider additional measures to warn swimmers of potential hazards.
For those seeking assistance or wishing to share memories of Professor Jarausch, the UNC Department of History has set up a temporary online memorial page. Community members are encouraged to reach out with condolences and support for the grieving family.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
