Missing swimmer’s body recovered from Lake Lanier

HALL COUNTY, Ga. — The body of a 21-year-old Pendergrass man who drowned Saturday in Lake Lanier has been recovered, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. DNR game wardens located and recovered the body of Terrell Shelton late Saturday night in approximately 14 feet of water near Robinson Park.

According to the initial investigation, Shelton was swimming with friends toward an island near the park, located south of Ga. 53/Dawsonville Highway, when he disappeared beneath the water. His friends told investigators they looked back and could no longer see him. Believing he had gone underwater and failed to resurface, they alerted authorities.

Hall County sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the area around 2:40 p.m., joined by Hall County Fire Rescue and DNR personnel.

First responders launched an extensive search by land and water, using sonar equipment, marine units and dive teams. Divers searched in waters up to 30 feet deep for several hours before suspending overnight operations around 9 p.m. Saturday.

Several hours later, at approximately 11:24 p.m., DNR game wardens located Shelton’s body using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV).

“The cause of the drowning remains under investigation,” said Game Warden Adam Loudermilk.

In the wake of the tragedy, Shelton’s family has established a GoFundMe account to help cover funeral and memorial expenses.

“It is with broken hearts that we share the tragic loss of our beloved brother, Terrell Shelton,” the family wrote on the fundraising page. “Our family is devastated by this sudden and unimaginable loss.”

The family described Shelton as someone whose kindness, laughter and presence brought joy to those around him and said the financial support will help them provide “the service and farewell he deserves.”

The fundraiser also asks those unable to contribute financially to keep the family in their thoughts and prayers.