Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement officials say a Habersham County man died while swimming in Lake Hartwell in Stephens County Saturday night.
"At approximately 8:20 tonight, Georgia DNR game wardens, along with the Stephens County Sheriff's Office, responded to a possible drowning call on Lake Hartwell," DNRLE spokesman Mark McKinnon said by email Saturday night.
"According to witnesses, 45-year-old Eric Garrison Thurmond of Demorest was swimming in about 10 to 15 feet of water near the Holcomb Access Boat Ramp," McKinnon's email states. "He began struggling and went under. He was recovered by witnesses, who got him to the shoreline. EMS personnel arrived and transported Mr. Thurmond to the Stephens County Hospital, where he was pronounced dead."
No further details were immediately available.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2017/6/543648/demorest-man-drowns-while-swimming-in-lake-hartwell-in-stephens-county