"     On June 2, 2012 I, RFC with GA DNR (Georgia Department of Natural Resources), received a call from Ranger about a drowning at Allatoona Lake near the Navy Recreation Area.  Ranger advised that a male subject was missing and that GA DNR Sgt. And otherswere on the scene.  I was told by Sgt. that there were several witnesses that were being interviewed about the incident.  
	(According to witnesses, Operator was operating a Hurricane deck boat while pulling the victim, Victim, on a tube.  Witnesses said that Victim was not wearing a PFD (personal floatation device).  Operator said that Victim was on the tube and it flipped over while traveling across the lake.  As soon as the tube flipped over, Operator said he stopped the boat and circled back to pick up Victim.  Operator said he could see Victim and everything was okay.  Operator said that the tube got between him and Victim and he could no longer see Victim.  Operator asked Victim if he was okay and got no response and saw Victim's arm go up.  Operator jumped in and swam to Victim and grabbed him from behind.  Victim began to struggle with Operator and Operator lost his grip.  Operator and Victim had drifted from the tube and now Operator was struggling to keep himself above the water's surface and hold on to Victim.  At this point Operator was holding on to Victim with his legs while Victim was under the water's surface.  Operator began to struggle so much to stay above the water that he had to let go of Victim.  Operator tried to float close to the area where he had to let go of Victim until he was helped by witness.  Once in boat, subject contacted Bartow 911.  The adult female passengers in Operator's boat were too hysterical to offer any assistance.
	I arrived at the command center set up at the Old Highway 41 Campground boat ramp at approximately 1445 hours.  Cpl. went to the hospital to interview Operator.  Cpl. determined that Operator was not under the influence of alcohol.
	On June 4, 2012 Victim's body was recovered at 1521 hours in approximately 27 to 30 feet of water.  Victim's body was taken by the coroner to the Cartersville Medical Center for identification by the family.  Victims' body was identified by his father.  It was agreed by the family members that no foul play was suspected.  The cause of Victim's death was ruled a drowning.  The family also declined for an autopsy to be performed.
	In conclusion, based upon the evidence, witness statements, and operator admissions, Victim was being towed on the tube without wearing a PFD.  Therefore, Operator was in violation of Georgia Law 52-7-16(b): Towing a skier without wearing a PFD. ,"

CARTERSVILLE                  