Lake Eufaula, GA – Authorities have identified the victim of a fatal drowning on Lake Eufaula as 22-year-old John Caleb Nation of Griffin, Georgia. The tragic incident unfolded early Sunday morning near an island off Thomas Mill Creek in Abbeville, located on the Georgia side of the lake, which spans the Alabama-Georgia state line.
According to Clay County Coroner Raymon Crozier, the accident occurred when Nation, part of a group of duck hunters, attempted to retrieve a boat that had drifted away from the island where the group was hunting. Deputies from the Henry County Sheriff’s Office received a call from the hunters, who reported that Nation had swum after the boat but had become unresponsive after they believed he had reached it.
Emergency responders arrived and located the drifting boat, but Nation was not aboard. The boat was returned to the stranded hunters as a search for Nation began immediately. Rescue teams, including a dive unit, scoured the area, and Nation’s body was eventually discovered in approximately 20 feet of water, about 100 yards from the island’s shore.
Sheriff Eric Blankenship, who coordinated the recovery effort, described the incident as “very tragic” and expressed gratitude to the various agencies involved in the search. Despite their quick response, Nation could not be saved.
The incident has left the community grieving the loss of a young man who was deeply loved by family and friends. Outdoor enthusiasts and hunters have also expressed their condolences, noting the dangers that can accompany water-based activities, especially in remote locations.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the drowning but have emphasized the inherent risks of water sports and outdoor activities, urging caution and preparation to prevent similar tragedies.
Nation’s untimely death is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of outdoor adventures and the importance of safety measures, particularly when hunting or engaging in water-related activities in isolated areas.