A 13-year-old boy tragically drowned at Scarboro Landing on Sunday afternoon, September 22, 2024, during an outing at the river. Scarboro Landing is just north of the Bulloch County line in Jenkins County.
According to witnesses, the male teen was last seen jumping into the river while swimming with friends, who had gathered for a day of barbecuing and recreation. When he failed to resurface, friends and onlookers immediately raised the alarm.
Jenkins County 911 received the call for assistance at approximately 4:30 p.m., prompting a response from the Jenkins County Sheriff’s Office, Jenkins County EMS, Jenkins County Fire Department, and agents from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR).
First responders requested additional support from the Bulloch County Sheriff's Office boat rescue team, which recently acquired sonar equipment to help locate the teen. Bulloch deputies who assisted with the search included CID, Captain Todd Hutchens, CID Investigator Will Sims and CST Investigator Brandon Miller. The Evans County Fire and Rescue dive team was also called in to assist.
Jenkins County Coroner Henry Young confirmed that divers recovered the boy’s body around 8:00 p.m. His body has been sent to the GBI Crime Lab to determine the official cause of death.
Sheriff Oglesby extended his condolences to the boy's family and friends, commending the efforts of all who participated in the search. "Everyone stepped up to help us. I appreciate Bulloch County Sheriff Noel Brown for sending his team and Evans County Sheriff Mac Edwards for connecting us to the Evans County dive team. DNR, the Evans County Fire and Rescue dive team, Jenkins Fire, Jenkins EMS, and everyone who helped exemplified how, in times of need, county lines don't matter. When called, they respond. I thank them all."
Preliminary investigations have revealed conflicting accounts of the incident. While some witnesses reported that the teen was swimming, others suggested he may have been walking across the river and fell into a deep hole. A language barrier among witnesses presented additional challenges.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with swimming in natural bodies of water. The Jenkins and Evans County communities mourn this devastating loss.
Grice Connect and Jenkins County Times express our condolences to the family and friends impacted by this tragic loss.
