Thursday March 28th, 2024 2:34PM

Fisherman swept away by current, drowns in Chattahoochee River

By B.J. Williams
A fisherman died on the Chattahoochee River in Gwinnett County late Friday afternoon, according to officials with the Gwinnett County Fire Department.
 
Capt. Tommy Rutledge said emergency crews from Gwinnett Fire and Johns Creek Fire, as well as a helicopter from the Gwinnett County Police Department, responded  to Medlock Bridge Park in Duluth just before 5 p.m. 
 
"Firefighters on the shore began a hasty search from the riverbank as rescue boats searched on the water from the last-known location pinpointed by witnesses," Rutledge said in a press release. "The police helicopter was able to locate the body from the air and directed the Johns Creek rescue boat to his position beneath the surface of the water at about 5:40 p.m." 

Rutledge said the victim was pulled from about 10 feet of water. He said rescuers attempted to revive the victim, but were unsuccessful. 

Rutledge said it appears the man had gone into the river to untangle a fishing line when he went under.

"He waded out to a rock and was swept away by the swift current as he tried to cross back to the riverbank. Witnesses said that he went under and never resurfaced," Rutledge said.

Water generation from Buford Dam was occurring at the time, and the current and water level were increased at Medlock Bridge, according to Rutledge.  

The name of the victim had not been released at last report.

"This is a very tragic incident, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends," Rutledge said.

  • Associated Categories: Homepage, Local/State News
  • Associated Tags: Chattahoochee River, Buford Dam, Drowning, Gwinnett County Fire Department , river current, fisherman drowns , Medlock Bridge Park
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