As Caldwell County deputies continue to investigate how a teenager drowned over the weekend in Wilson Creek, Collettsville firefighters are warning visitors to plan ahead before their trips.
Despite heavy thunderstorms, Chief Trevor Key said firefighters found the victim in the water.
"Wilson Creek is a very unforgiving area," Chief Trevor Key said. "It's a very dangerous place."
The free-flowing creek cuts through Pisgah National Forest before meeting with the Johns River and eventually emptying into the Catawba River.
Chief Key said Wilson Creek has a fast current, slippery rock, and murky water following afternoon thunderstorms.
"In my opinion, this is just as strong as a rip current that would be in the ocean," he said.