An 18-year-old autistic male visiting Lake Rutledge with the Atlanta-based mentorship group Purpose 2 Inspire was found dead in the water during the early morning hours of June 11, according to the Morgan County Sheriff's Office.
The group consisted of nine adults and 18 children.
Morgan County Sheriff Tyler Hooks said deputies received a call reporting the teen missing at approximately 7:09 p.m. on June 10.
"Early information from witnesses was conflicting, with one person reporting he had gone toward the water and another reporting he had gone toward the woods," Hooks said in a press release. "Because of the circumstances, we immediately launched a large-scale search involving multiple local and state agencies, volunteer organizations, and community members."
Agencies participating in the search included the Morgan County Sheriff's Office, Morgan County Sheriff's Posse, Morgan County Fire Rescue, Morgan County Emergency Management Agency, Madison Police Department, Walton County Fire Rescue, Putnam County Sheriff's Office, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Georgia State Patrol, Georgia Emergency Management Agency, Hard Labor Creek State Park rangers, Central Georgia K9, and numerous volunteers.
"Throughout the night, search teams worked by land, water, and air using K9 teams, thermal drones, helicopters, boats, and other specialized equipment. Our Sheriff's Office boat, a Walton County dive boat, and a Georgia DNR boat were all used during the operation," Hooks said. "Searchers identified several anomalies in the water, but due to darkness and safety concerns, dive operations could not be conducted overnight. Teams instead used drag equipment in those areas and, at approximately 3:41 a.m. on June 11, located the young man in the water."
Hooks thanked the first responders, volunteers, and partner agencies for their hard work, long hours, and determination throughout the search effort.
"Everyone involved had one goal: to find this young man and bring answers to his family," Hooks said. "Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of this young man. No family should ever have to endure a loss like this, and we ask that everyone keep them in their thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time."
Hooks said the incident also highlighted shortcomings in Morgan County's aging radio communication system.
"Throughout the search, our outdated radio system made communication difficult between agencies and search teams," Hooks said. "Information, assignments, and requests for resources often had to be relayed face-to-face or by word of mouth because our radios could not reliably communicate across the operation. While the teamwork and dedication of everyone involved helped overcome those challenges, first responders should not have to rely on workarounds during critical incidents.
"The citizens of Morgan County expect their first responders to be able to communicate with one another when lives are on the line. This search once again showed that our current system no longer meets that need. If we are serious about keeping our county safe and giving our deputies, firefighters, EMS personnel, and emergency responders the tools they need to do their jobs, then replacing this outdated radio system must be a priority."