Victim was a swimmer - without PDF. Age 26
Jonesboro, Ga. resident Drowning
The vicitim was jumping off the rusted defunct bridge that spans the Copper Mine Rapids, then he and a friend decided to cross the rapids on the rocks without a life vest. The friend crossed the river and looked back to see the victim being swept underwater. Other witnesses say they saw the victim briefly again then he was pulled under again. The body was recovered on Tuesday, September 26 about 1 pm, at a nearby underwater sandbank.
http://www.thedahloneganugget.com/articles/2006/09/27/news/01%20drowning.txt
Man drowns in Chestatee River The body of Bryan Lynwood Pierce was recovered Monday afternoon, nearly 24 hours after the Jonesboro resident disappeared into a series of swirling rapids on the Chestatee River. Following an extensive search, officials found the 26-year-old approximately 30 feet down river from where he had originally disappeared.
It was intended to be a weekend of festivities for Pierce and his family as they gathered at a nearby rented cabin to celebrate a recent marriage. However, on Sunday afternoon Pierce and a friend entered the rain-swollen waters of the Chestatee without life-jackets. The pair jumped off the rusted defunct bridge that spans the Copper Mines area and then decided to cross a span of churning rapids. According to officials, the friend crossed the river unscathed and then looked back to see Pierce swept underwater. Pierce's sister was also reportedly watching from a nearby river bank as she saw her brother disappear then reappear briefly and then get pulled back into the water again.
Family members immediately dialed 911 and local emergency officials arrived on the scene. The bridge on Long Branch Road extension was temporarily blocked as authorities scoured the waters. As distraught family members stood nearby, a swift water diving team arrived from the Forsyth County Fire Department. Despite an occasional heavy downpour the rescue crew continued to search until just before nightfall. “I pulled two firemen out of the river at just about dark,” said Emergency Management Services Director Don Seabolt.
At 8:30 a.m. the following morning the search resumed. At approximately 1 p.m. Pierce's body was discovered by the diving team on a nearby underwater sandbank. McClure said it is unclear whether the churning rapids kept his body submerged or if the muddy waters merely concealed him throughout the search. According to McClure, authorities have investigated the incident and ruled out any type of foul play. However, it appears that alcohol was involved in the incident, said officials. “It did appear there was alcohol being consumed at the time,” said McClure. As a result, the sheriff's office is requesting an autopsy by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. “It's just a tragic situation,” said McClure. Emergency Management Director, Don Seabolt, Lumpkin Country Sheriff McLure
