A 74-year-old man died on Lake Lanier after his seat unbolted from the floor of his boat.
WSB-TV report that Matthew Mayo was fishing with his wife on Wednesday, May 29 when he fell overboard.
Elderly man dies at Lake Lanier
The couple was on a bass boat at Lanier Point when Mayo capsized in the water and failed to resurface. The elderly man’s body was later found by Game Wardens, also known as conservation rangers. They are tasked with monitoring and protecting people, animals, and natural resources in the area.
The Wardens used a boat fitted with SONAR to locate Matthew’s body. Mayo’s body was found in 6 feet of water. Hall County Fire Rescue recovered the body using a remote-controlled vehicle.
There have been several deaths at the lake and many people believe it is haunted.
Gavrie Alexander Whitlock fell into the lake in September 2023 after running down the dock. Like Mayo, he never appeared again. The 23-year-old was later found dead in 17 feet of water.
Usher’s ex-wife’s son, Tameka Foster, died in July 2012 after a boating accident on that same lake. He opened up about the incident in an interview earlier this year.
RELATED: Usher reflects on the passing of his ex-wife Tameka Foster’s son in 2012
Social media reacts to people drowning
As reported on social media by The Shade Room, Roomies have given their perspective on the tragic incident.
Some commenters thought Mayo’s death was strange.
@zombich wrote, “How did his chair get removed from the boat omfg. That was so strange considering the location.”
Others couldn’t understand why anyone would visit Lake Lanier knowing its history.
“When will you learn not to go to ghost lake,” @mekasway said.
@kingali added, “At this point, these people are committing suicide by going there.”
@black.majic quipped, “I won’t take my fish swimming in that lake…Leave those people alone!” Her comment attracted more than 10,000 likes.
@thereelmccoy5 chimed in with jokes saying, “We should probably start calling that damn camp Chrystal Lake smhhh.”
Other Roomies suggested that the city should destroy Lake Lanier.
“Can they please release the water. It should be turned into a memorial for all the innocent souls they killed… build a beautiful garden with beautiful flowers,” said @thestorytellerpoetess.
