Northeast Georgia’s holiday weekend was marred by tragedy on two area lakes.
A 22-year-old man drowned Sunday on Lake Hartwell. Authorities have identified him as Armando Estaban Sanchez Martinez of Greer, South Carolina.
DNR Law Enforcement says Martinez drowned while swimming at the Big Oaks Recreation Area next to Hartwell Dam.
Georgia game wardens were called to the scene just before 6 p.m. on July 4. Witnesses pulled Martinez from the lake before the game wardens arrived and performed CPR on him until EMS personnel took over. They were unable to revive him and the coroner pronounced him dead at the scene.
On Saturday, a boat fire on Lake Lanier sent two adults to the hospital. The incident happened just before 5 p.m. July 3 around Big Creek Park on the south end of Lake Lanier.
According to reports, four people were onboard — two adults and two juveniles. They jumped off the burning vessel. The adults suffered burn injuries and were transported to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta for treatment.
