On October 14, 2023, at 0743 hours, I, Game Warden with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources received a call from Corporal in regards to a drowning on West Point Lake. I met Cpl at the West Point Lake boathouse and we proceeded to the scene with our state patrol vessel. The incident took place in the vicinity and within sight of the boat ramp at Liberty Hill Access. Upon arrival, Cpl and I located a blue in color Tracker pontoon vessel where the incident occurred. We identified and spoke with the operator and another occupant on board the pontoon vessel about the incident. They informed us that they were crappie fishing on West Point Lake when they decided to drop anchor. 

The drowning victim was attempting to drop the anchor into the water when he suddenly fell in head first from the pontoon vessel and did not resurface. Subject1 told us that he jumped in to rescue Victim but was unsuccessful. Subject1 informed Cpl and I that Victim could swim and built swimming pools for work. 

After Cpl and I finished speaking with Subject1 and Subject2, we ran our boat mounted sonar unit to see if we could locate the body of Victim. With our efforts proving unsuccessful, we spoke with Troup Co. Sheriffs office Sergeant to produce a plan for the recovery of Victim. We were informed that Columbus Fire and Rescue was en route. Sergeant came aboard our vessel to help us look for Victim with our boat mounted sonar until the Columbus dive team could arrive. While running sonar, we located a possible target and shared it with the dive team upon their arrival. After several hours of diving efforts, the Columbus dive team located Victim in approximately 18 feet of water. When Victim was retrieved from the water he was not wearing a personal flotation device. Troup Co. Sheriffs Office took possession of the body. The wife of victim and other family members were notified by Troup Co. Sheriff's Office personnel and Chaplain. 


West Point Lake
LAGRANGE                      