A couple from Atlanta went missing while on a boating trip on February 8. A day later, on February 9, authorities found Joycelyn Wilson's body in Lake Oconee. Her fiancé, teacher Gary Jones, however, was nowhere to be found. A 29-day search finally ended as Jones's body was discovered about 100 yards from where Wilson was found.
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Jones and Wilson were to get married on March 14, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Reportedly, they planned to stay at The Lodge in Lake Oconee as they were celebrating Jones's 50th birthday. Jones launched a small boat on February 8 and picked Wilson up from the hotel. An hour and a half later, however, witnesses near Wallace Dam reported seeing the boat with no one aboard.
Rescue Efforts
Rescue efforts found Joycelyn Wilson dead in the waters of Lake Oconee on February 9, just one day later. They were able to identify her as she had her phone, her ID, and other belongings in a bag she carried. Her cause of death has not been disclosed.
For 29 days, rescue efforts involving Putnam County police were carried out. Last weekend, the Jones family recruited Keith Cormican, a search-and-recovery expert. Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills confirmed that it was Cormican who found Jones's body. It was located in approximately 45 feet of water, as per the sheriff, and just about 100 yards from where Wilson's body was found. Jones's body was found exactly one month after his wife's body was recovered.
Cormican used sonar equipment to find Gary Jones, and, given the characteristics of the terrain, he said that the chance of finding bodies in said terrain is "nonexistent." "It's a very emotional feeling, knowing that we were going to be able to give them their brother back," Cormican said. Sheriff Sills called it "the longest rescuer or recovery" he has ever been involved in.
Reactions
Michael Jones, Gary Jones's brother, said that the 29-day-long rescue was one of the worst periods of his life. However, now that his brother's body has been found, he hopes to find closure.
"We just encourage everyone to continue to pray for us and also use this as a catalyst for awareness of safety, for resources to go to these great programs and hopefully avoid something like this from happening again," Michael Jones said.
The Estiminster Schools President Keith Evans sent an email to students, staff, and alumni after Jones's body was recovered. He called Jones's death "heartbreaking."
"While we have expected this news, the finality of this tragic loss is heartbreaking," Evans said. "I know you join me in praying for Gary's children and extended family as they face this tragedy."
