Police: Swimmer dared to jump in water had one lung

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. — The bodies of two swimmers were recovered from the St. Johns River in Green Cove Springs early Monday morning.

The two men didn't resurface after they jumped into the water on Sunday at a pier in Green Cove Springs. Their bodies were recovered just after midnight Monday, after several agencies searched for almost 6 hours on Sunday, according to Green Cove Springs police.

Police said 21-year-old Ahndray Edward Clay was with a group of friends when he was dared to jump into the St. Johns River. He had only one lung from a previous operation, police said.

Billy Joe Hammonds, 22, jumped into the river to help Clay after he went under near the city pier on Walnut Street, police said. Police said Hammonds made it out to Clay, but the two went under and never resurfaced around 6:30 p.m.

Jacksonville Sheriff's Office divers joined Florida Wildlife Commission, Clay County Sheriff's Office dive team, and Green Cove Springs Police Department marine unit in the search.

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