LAKE LANIER - Hall County authorities have recovered and identified a man who died in Lake Lanier Sunday evening.
Hall County Sheriff's Deputy Nicole Bailes said the victim has been identified as 21-year-old Daruba McFarlane of Stone Mountain. She said a Hall County Fire Department dive team used sonar equipment to locate McFarlane's body in about 17 feet of water near the last known location provided by a friend who reportedly saw him go under water.
Bailes said authorities recieved a call at around 7:00 p.m. from the friend who said McFarlane was attempting to swim across the cove near the park when he became distressed about 25 yards from the shore and went under the water.
Hall County Deputy Fire Chief Chad Black said fire crews, aided by Hall and Forsyth County Marine Rescue Teams, attempted a rescue operation upon arriving at the scene but suspended the efforts at around 8:00 p.m. Bailes said officials with the Hall County Sheriff's Office and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources attempted a search in the area but suspended the search due to darkness at around 8:30.
Bailes said McFarlane's next of kin have been notified and an autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday but no foul play is suspected.
