Body of missing 17-year-old boater found in Lake Allatoona

Authorities located the body of 17-year-old Jackson Croft in Lake Allatoona on Friday, one day after he went missing while boating. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources found Croft's remains around 3:40 p. m. in approximately 20 feet of water, 100 feet from his abandoned boat that had been observed circling the lake. Emergency responders were called to the scene on Thursday evening when witnesses reported the boat's erratic behavior.

Investigators are still determining how Croft ended up in the water, noting he was not wearing a life jacket at the time. DNR official Mark McKinnon offered condolences to the grieving family and emphasized the importance of community support during this difficult period. The lake's bottom is known to be treacherous, with many submerged trees and varying depths, complicating search efforts. This incident underscores the critical need for safety measures, including life jacket usage, among boaters. The DNR continues to encourage all individuals on the water to prioritize safety to prevent tragic accidents.