GA Native, Star Athlete Dies While Duck Hunting In Alabama: Reports

SCOTTBORO, ALABAMA — The body of a Georgia native and baseball player who reportedly drowned while duck hunting during the weekend was recovered Monday from Lake Guntersville, according to multiple media reports.

Channel 2 Action News reported Brooks Hardie, 22, went missing from the lake around 8 a.m. Saturday after his kayak capsized, forcing him underwater. The outlet reported his body was found around 3:30 a.m. Monday.

Fox 5 Atlanta reported Hardie, who was a former Bremen High School baseball player, also played for Snead State Community College in Alabama. The outlet reported his death happened near Goose Pond Colony Resort in Scottboro.

Media outlet AL.com reported Hardie graduated from Snead in the spring.

School officials and teammates took to social media Monday to express their sentiments after news broke of Hardie's death.

Snead State Athletic Director and Head Baseball Coach Casey Underwood in a statement deemed Hardie more than a student-athlete and said he was a friend and brother with a servant's heart.

“On the field, Brooks was one of the toughest kids I’ve ever had the pleasure to coach. He possessed a hard-nosed, never-quit mentality that influenced the entire team. His grit and determination were on full display when he played with a torn hamstring through most of the 2023 season," Underwood said.

"He was the consummate leader, always encouraging his teammates and pushing to be better every day. This past season in a May 4 doubleheader, Brooks played one of his best games as a Parson, finishing the day batting 5-of-7 with 3 homeruns and 6 RBIs. Watching him play that day with so much joy and excitement went on to spark a nice postseason run for us. It was one of those performances you don’t forget. Off the field, we grew really close. Similarities we shared helped us develop a connection, and those things often led to many conversations about life outside of baseball. Through those talks, I realized what a special young man he was. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and teammates during this difficult time.”

The Bremen baseball team called Hardie the identity of the team in a statement.

"To say that our hearts are broken, would be an understatement. ... I still see his impact on our team multiple years after he graduated. The way he prepared, competed and lead the way will never be forgotten. We KNOW you are in heaven and can’t wait to see you again! We love you Brooks Hardie. We miss you Brooks Hardie. But we will not forget you, Brooks Hardie. Please pray for peace and comfort for Gary, Julie, Cal, Copeland and all of his family and friends," read the Facebook post.

Aside from baseball, Channel 2 reported Hardie also played football at Bremen High.

Bremen City Schools on Facebook shared a photo of Hardie.

"Bremen City Schools mourns the loss of 2021 graduate Brooks Edmund Hardie. Please pray for Brooks’ family and friends during this very difficult time," school officials wrote alongside the photo.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the Bremen football team shared a statement.

"My heart hurts. Your family is hurting. Your teammates, classmates, friends, coaches and teachers are hurting. We All hurt right now, but we appreciate you Brooks Hardie because you made us all better. The world is a better place because you were in it. We love you Brooks," read the post.

The Snead State baseball team also expressed condolences along with the Heard County Braves softball team.

Read more via Fox 5 Atlanta and Channel 2 Action News.