A firefighter in Gainesville has tragically died in a boating accident that may have been caused by a drunk boater. 11 Alive reported on the incident.
The accident happened on Lake Tugalo in Rabun County last Saturday. The 27-year-old firefighter was with a friend on a tube ride pulled by a bass boat operator. According to the report, the firefighter was not wearing a life vest and fell off the tube.
The boat operator turned around and “possibly ran him over in the water.” When local authorities investigated the situation, they arrested the boating operator for boating under the influence.
On Sunday, divers located the body of the firefighter 117 feet down in the lake. Condolences have been pouring in about the situation, and the Gainsville Fire Department has lowered all of their flags to half-staff in rememberance.
We too wish to give our condolences. Every year, people go out on tubes in Georgia’s lakes and rivers to ride, and it seems also every year there are people who die while doing it.
If you are riding a tube, wear a life vest even if you’re an adult and a good swimmer. You never know how you might fall off or the speed you’ll leave your tube. If you land badly, your vest could save your life.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
