Buford Man Drowns in Lake Lanier

CUMMING, GA — A Buford man has drowned in Lake Lanier, in what is believed to be the lake's first fatality of the year, authorities say.

Wednesday evening, divers with the Hall County Sheriff's Office recovered the body of Simon Joseph Peters, 37, of Buford, from the lake.

Peters was last seen fishing Tuesday evening near Lazy Days Marina. Family members reported him missing after he failed to return home the following morning.

A search of the area resulted in his vehicle being located and some of his personal items were found on a nearby dock, the sheriff's office said.

Peters' body was located next to that dock in about seven feet of water, according to the sheriff's office. The dive team responded to the scene and retrieved the body, which was sent to the DeKalb County Medical Examiner's Office for an autopsy.

Foul play is not suspected at this time.

The case remains under investigation by the Hall County Sheriff's Office criminal investigation division.

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