A 70-year-old Marietta man, who was a native of Greensboro, was found deceased in Lake Oconee near the Redlands boat ramp on the evening of July 24, according to the Greene County Sheriff’s Office.
Jerome Scott had been in the water for almost a week based on the condition of his remains, authorities said. No missing person reports were filed concerning Scott’s whereabouts.
A Flock camera also recorded the arrival of Scott’s vehicle on July 20. According to Mark McKinnon, a spokesman for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Scott’s vehicle was found in the parking lot but did not have a boat trailer attached. According to Sheriff Donnie Harrison, Scott did not appear to have brought any fishing equipment with him.
Bow fishermen happened upon Scott’s body resting near the shore approximately a quarter-mile from the boat ramp while they were fishing, according to DNR.
The Redlands boat ramp is located near Highway 278, a few miles west of Greensboro near the Oconee River. It is operated by the National Forest Service.
Once the body was recovered using Greene County’s fire vessel on the morning of July 25, the sheriff’s office was able to identify him and notify his next of kin a few hours later.
Harrison said he was notified of the discovery about midnight on July 25. Coroner Chris Peters then began his investigation into Scott’s death.
Harrison said there did not appear to be any evidence of foul play, but the GCSO is awaiting autopsy results before reaching any conclusions.
“We don’t know why he was in the water, and we may never know completely,” Harrison said. “We want to make sure we eliminate the possibility that other parties or circumstances may have been involved.”
Harrison said the GCSO periodically checks the boat ramp areas, but vacant vehicles are often found in the parking lots while their owners are fishing.