On June 7th, 2023, at approximately 1221 hours, I, Game Warden (G.W.), was notified by GSP Dispatch of a possible drowning at West Point Lake located at R. Shaefer Heard Park boat landing. After gathering information from Troup County Sherriffs Office, Victim and Operator were on a Triton bass boat when they decided to dock the boat at R. Shaefer Heard boat landing and Victim attempted to step off onto the dock and lost his balance and fell into the water. 

Victim did not know how to swim and he ended up underneath the dock for a period of time while Operator threw him a personal flotation device (PFD). Operator stated later that the PFD hit Victim in the head but Victim could not hear him telling him to grab the life jacket. Victim finally came out from the dock but floating with his back up and still under the water. Operator and other bystanders assisted getting Victim on the dock and out of the water. One bystander started performing CPR since Victim was not breathing. EMS was called and later arrived on scene and transported Victim to West Georgia Medical Center in Lagrange, Georgia. 

I responded to the hospital and spoke with Operator. Operator confirmed the incidents that took place on West Point Lake to collaborate what Troup County Sherriffs Office was given as information on the incident. Operator stated that he and Victim went out fishing that morning and decided to come back in at approximately 1100 to 1200 hours. Operator stated that while he was docking the boat Victim was on the bow of the vessel. 

Operator stated that Victim attempted to step onto the dock so he could go back the boat trailer down but missed his step and fell into the water beside the dock. Operator stated that he threw a PFD at Victim's head and Victim did not respond to him yelling to grab the life jacket. Operator then stated that Victim drifted under the dock for a short period of time. Operator stated that Victim finally came out from under the dock and he and other bystanders assisted in pulling Victim onto the dock and out of the water. 

Operator stated one of the bystanders started CPR immediately because Victim was not breathing but mentioned that Victim did gasp initially when they pulled him up. Operator then stated EMS finally arrived and took Victim to the hospital. Operator and nurses at the hospital stated that Victim did not have any water in his lungs but stated he had a strong heartbeat but was not breathing well on his own. They also stated he was in a coma and not doing too well.

Operator updated me on June 8th, 2023, and stated that Victim did not make it and he was deceased. Operator said the doctors said Victim had fluid in his lungs but said it was from his heart.

West Point Lake
WEST POINT                    