GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. – A tragic incident occurred on Saturday night, resulting in the death of a 24-year-old man who fell into Lake Lanier.
According to the Department of Natural Resources, wardens promptly responded to a drowning call at the Holiday Marina on Lake Lanier around 10:30 p.m.
Witnesses reported that the victim was running along a dock when he slipped and fell into the water, failing to resurface.
Hall County Fire Rescue discovered his body in 17 feet of water.
Related: The dangers of swimming in Lake Lanier
As of now, authorities have not released the victim’s name.
This unfortunate incident marks the 8th drowning at Lake Lanier this year. The previous case occurred in late August when 23-year-old Edgar Steven Cruz Martinez lost his life. Additionally, two men died while swimming in the lake on July 31.
Holiday Marina, one of the largest floating marinas on the lake, holds the distinction of being its oldest establishment.
How many people have died at Lake Lanier?
A staggering number of over 200 individuals have lost their lives at Lake Lanier between 1994 and 2022, as reported by USA Today and Georgia DNR. In the past few years, there were 8 drownings in both 2018 and 2019, 7 in 2020, 4 in 2021, and 6 in 2022. Furthermore, 48 additional deaths were recorded as boating fatalities during the same period.
This year, Lake Lanier has witnessed 7 drownings but zero boating fatalities so far.
Constructed in 1956 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Lake Lanier is Georgia’s largest lake, named after the renowned poet and musician Sidney Lanier. Originally referred to as Sidney Lanier Lake, its creation necessitated the relocation of more than 1,000 people, 20 cemeteries, 15 businesses, and 6 churches. Among these was Oscarville, a predominantly Black town.
Many individuals firmly believe that the number of deaths at Lake Lanier since its establishment far exceeds 700, leading to the perception that the lake is cursed and haunted.
In recent news, Tameka Foster, the ex-wife of R&B singer Usher, garnered attention when she initiated an online petition calling for the “draining, cleaning, and restoration” of Lake Lanier. This petition was prompted by the tragic death of her 11-year-old son, Kile Glover, who was fatally struck by a boater while floating on an inner tube in July 2012.
Why do so many people die at Lake Lanier?
The question of why numerous deaths occur at Lake Lanier has complex answers. Firstly, with an estimated 7 to 11 million annual visitors, accidents are bound to happen.
Additionally, the dark and murky waters of Lake Lanier pose challenges for rescue operations when individuals go overboard or submerge.
Boating under the influence presents another significant issue, with more than 525 BUIs recorded by Georgia DNR between 2008 and 2018.
Lastly, authorities have noted that many people, particularly children, neglect to wear life jackets while in or near the lake.
Is Lake Lanier really haunted?
Lastly, a belief held by some is that the lake is haunted by vengeful spirits who lurk beneath its surface. One notable entity is known as the Lady of the Lake.
Legend has it that in 1958, two women named Susie Roberts and another unidentified woman drove into the lake near Lanier Bridge. They disappeared in the 90-foot deep water. A year later, a fisherman discovered a body, later known as the Lady of the Lake, near one of the bridges. In 1990, during a bridge expansion project, construction workers stumbled upon the car containing the remains of another woman, likely Susie Roberts.
Other reported ghosts may be associated with the 20 cemeteries that were relocated before the lake’s construction, leading some to believe that disturbed spirits haunt the area. It is speculated that not all graves were successfully moved.
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