RedactedNarrative: On the morning of August 6th, 2014 at approximately 07:58 hours, I, Ranger First Class was contacted by Captain concerning a possible drowning that occurred the night before in Meriwether County, on Lake Meriwether.  Capt. advised me that I was to be the primary CIRT investigating officer for the case.  
  
  	On August 7th, at approximately 07:00 hours, I arrived at Lake Meriwether to assist with the search and to conduct my investigation.  I obtained an early report from a Meriwether County Sheriff’s Deputy, of the events of the incident.  Deputy stated in his report that at approximately 21:00 hours he observed a vehicle parked at the lake after dark.   Deputy stated that he made numerous attempts with his vehicles loud speaker for anyone left on the lake to come off of the water due to the park being closed after dark.  Deputy’s report stated that he returned at approximately 23:00 hours and the vehicle was in the same location.  Deputy contacted Corporal with the Department of Natural Resources and advised him of a possible overdue boater at Lake Meriwether.  
  
  	At approximately 01:27 hours on August 6th, Cpl. with assistance of Deputy located an overturned tan in color kayak and a yellow and black personal floatation device floating along the shoreline. Subject called and advised that she regularly checks on Victim but had not been able to make contact with him that night.  Subject also advised that Victim had recently purchased a kayak and had planned on fishing Lake Meriwether on the afternoon of August 5th. 
  
  	At 07:15 hours Victim was found floating approximately 100 yards from the bank where Victim's vehicle was parked.  Identification was found on the victim’s body, positively identifying him.  The body was transported via EMS to the GBI Crime Lab for an autopsy.  
  
  	Based on the reports of Deputy and others, I have drawn the conclusion that this incident is an accidental drowning that could have possibly been prevented if Victim had worn his personal floatation device.  Victim's inexperience with the type of vessel and his age may have played a role in incident.  This is a true and accurate statement based on the information from those involved and knowledge acquired through the investigation.  This opinion is based solely on the information given to me at the time and may change upon discovery of new information.
  
  Nothing further.