The Hoke County Sheriff’s Office announced on Monday, July 21, 2025, at approximately 03:00 P.M., that the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team responded to the area of Recreation Center Road in Maxton, NC, to assist Robeson County Sheriff’s Office with a Search and Recovery operation. 

When the Hoke County Dive Team arrived on scene, it was learned that Robeson County Sheriff’s Deputy attempted a traffic stop, at approximately 08:45 A.M., on a white Ford F-150 that was reported stolen. The driver refused to stop, and a vehicle pursuit commenced. 

During the pursuit, the driver of the stolen vehicle veered off the road in the area of Recreation Center Road, where control of the vehicle was lost and the vehicle crashed into the Lumber River. The male driver got out of the vehicle and tried to swim to the shore. The female passenger climbed to the roof of the vehicle and was able to jump outside of the current and make it to shore safely. Unfortunately, the male driver was last seen submerging in front of the vehicle.

The Hoke County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team was contacted to assist with locating the male driver. At approximately 07:00 P.M., the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team member, was successful in locating the male victim driver and was able to remove him from the Lumber River. The victim was found deceased and identified as Mr. Gary Dean Chavis. His next of kin was notified by law enforcement. 

All information related to this incident has been given to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations. The Investigation is still on-going.