Search Underway for Missing Swimmer at Lake Lanier

Authorities in Hall County, Georgia, are looking for Zachary Rutledge, 20, of Winder, who was last seen around 8 p.m. Monday, July 8, at Burton Mill Park on Lake Lanier. Zachary went swimming with two friends, but the friends lost sight of him. It is possible Zachary swam back to shore and left the park. If that is the case, deputies are asking anyone who might have seen Zachary or knows where he is to contact 911 or Hall County Dispatch at 770-536-8812.

Zachary is 5’10” and weighs 120 lbs. He has curly brown hair. He was wearing swim trunks and may be wearing a silver chain necklace.

On Tuesday, July 9, at 8:30 a.m., the Hall County Sheriff’s Office provided the following update: The search for 20-year-old Zachary Rutledge is ongoing this morning. Both the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the Georgia State Patrol assisted with water and ground searches into the overnight hours. HCSO and DNR will have boats on the water today. Ground searches for Zachary will continue as well.