BREAKING NEWS: Body of Missing Boater Found

MJ Kneiser WLHR News

The body of David Dean has been found on the South Carolina side of Lake Hartwell.

Georgia DNR Law enforcement officer Craig Fulghum has confirmed to (WNEG sister station) WLHR News, the body of David Dean, 69 of Island Lake, IL was recovered this morning.

                                  David Dean

“DNR Aviation flying along the South Carolina shoreline spotted the body on shore in the area of Sadler Creek State Park,” Fulghum said. “The Anderson County coroner, along with the Coroner from Hart County are with the body now.”
The body will be taken for autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Dean rented a pontoon boat Wednesday morning from the Hartwell Marina but never returned.

The pontoon boat was found late Wednesday anchored in Carter’s Ferry area about 30 – 40 feet from the South Carolina/Georgia state line, but on the Georgia side.

              GA DNR using sonar to locate missing boater

Rescue teams from Hart and surrounding counties, have been working alongside the DNR through since Wednesday to locate Dean, but as of Friday morning, he had not been found.

Then about mid-morning, his body was spotted washed up on shore on the South Carolina side by DNR aviation.

Fulghum said Friday morning, Dean was in Hartwell alone and did own any property on the lake. It’s not clear why Dean was in Hartwell nor why he rented the pontoon boat.

“There are a lot unanswered questions in this case,” Fulghum said. “It’s a sad time for everybody, but at least now his family has some closure.