Lake Lanier has tragically claimed a second life within a week. Local authorities recovered the body of 76-year-old Jim Hansard after he had been missing for nine hours. Hansard, a resident of Gainesville, Georgia, was last seen around lunchtime on Wednesday, June 5, as he relaxed at his dock, according to WSB-TV.
Hansard’s disappearance was first noticed when his friend discovered his parked golf cart and a floating shoe, which belonged to Hansard, in the water by nightfall. The Department of Natural Resources confirmed that Hansard’s body was found near Keith Bridge Park in Lake Lanier, submerged in 13 feet of water. Emergency crews arrived at approximately 9:30 p.m. ET and used SONAR technology mounted on a boat to locate and recover his body.
The circumstances leading to Hansard’s death remain unclear, and further details are pending as local reports continue to investigate the incident. This tragic event marks the second death at the man-made lake as the summer season begins, raising concerns about safety and the lake’s treacherous history.
Lake Lanier, a popular recreational destination, has a long and often grim history of accidents and fatalities. As the summer season progresses, authorities urge visitors to exercise caution and be aware of potential hazards.
