On 02/12/13 at 0642 hours, I, RFC, was contacted by Captain with the Department of Natural Resources in reference to a boating fatality on Lake Lanier.  Captain informed me that a boat was found on the lake but the boat operator was missing.  

I arrived at the Little Ridge Park boat ramp at approximately 1000 hours.  Sgt. with DNR updated me on the incident.  Sgt.  informed me that an individual called 911 around 2148 hours to report a boat driving in circles.  Sgt. told me when he and RFC arrived on scene the vessel was against a rock area on the east side of the creek. Next, Sgt. showed me the vessel that he and RFC towed to Little Ridge Park boat ramp. Sgt. said the only items that had been moved were the cell phone of the victim and a tackle box.  

At approximately 1100 hours, Critical Incident Reconstruction Team (CIRT) member RFC with the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office and I photographed the vessel and its contents.  Subject1 gathered the broken boat paddle to process for finger prints. Subject1 also took Victim cell phone. (See chain of custody form)

I investigated the scene where the incident occurred.  I photographed the area and recorded coordinates.  At the scene a fishing rod was found.  The end of the line was attached to a sunken tree at a depth of approximately forty-five feet.  (Forsyth S.O. has this evidence)

At approximately 1300 hours, RFC and I processed the evidence in the vessel.    We found average damage to an active “jon boat”, including, one transfer mark on the gunwale of the port side of the vessel. (See photos)  The tiller handle on the motor was broken.  There was a small striation on the bullet area of the gear casing of the lower unit on the motor.  All lights were operational on the vessel.  Processing was completed at approximately 1500 hours.  

At approximately 1600 hours, I spoke with friends of Victim.  They collectively explained to me that Victim was an avid fisherman and knew the lake very well.  They explained that it was not unusual for Victim to fish at night.  

On 03/17/13, I was notified by Cpl. that Victim body was recovered by two fishermen.  

On 04/25/13, I received the toxicology report of Victim.  The report showed Victim blood alcohol concentration to be 0.156 grams per 100ml.  

After processing the vessel and reviewing reports there is no evidence to conclude what caused the ejection of Victim from the vessel.  The autopsy report is pending.
CUMMING