Dalton Emergency Services Respond to Possible Drowning at Haig Mill Lake Park

The Dalton Police and Fire Departments are currently on scene at Haig Mill Lake Park following a report of a possible drowning. Personnel and watercraft from the Department of Natural Resources, Gordon County Fire Rescue, and the Georgia State Patrol Dive Team are also involved in the search for the victim.
Preliminary information indicates that the victim, a 26-year-old male, was with his brother-in-law using kayaks on the lake. The victim had apparently removed his life jacket while near a dock close to the northern dam. It is believed that he swam out into the lake, possibly to retrieve a drifting kayak. The victim reportedly became tired and called for help before eventually disappearing beneath the water’s surface.
A person fishing on the other side of the lake made a 911 call at 7:02 pm. First responders from the Dalton Fire Department’s nearby Station 3 arrived, but there was no sign of the victim.
Emergency personnel are continuing the search. Haig Mill Lake Park is closed to the public to facilitate the search and will remain closed on Sunday, July 28th.
At 11:40 pm on Saturday, Dalton Police announced that the victim’s body had been recovered from the lake with the assistance of the Department of Natural Resources and the Georgia State Patrol Dive Team. The victim’s identity has not been released pending notification of next of kin.
There is no indication of foul play in this incident.