Matthew Mayo : “73-Year-Old Man Dies at Lake Lanier”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Lake Lanier fishing accident
2. Lake Lanier boating fatality

Since 1994, more than 200 fatalities have occurred in Georgia’s Lake Lanier, including the recent drowning of a 73-year-old man. The victim, identified as Matthew Mayo, fell from his boat during a fishing trip. Authorities located his body using SONAR technology. Lake Lanier, constructed in the 1950s, offers various recreational activities and attracts millions of visitors annually. Despite its popularity, the lake has a tragic history, with over 200 drownings recorded between 1994 and October 2020. The lake’s safety has been called into question, leading to petitions for improved safety measures. Stay informed with the latest news on Lake Lanier by signing up for PEOPLE’s newsletter.

Lake Lanier: A Troubled Waterway

Since 1994, Lake Lanier in Georgia has been a site of tragedy, with over 200 fatalities occurring in its waters. The latest incident involved a 73-year-old man named Matthew Mayo from Gainesville, who tragically drowned during a fishing trip on Wednesday, May 29.

The Fatal Fishing Trip

According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Mayo was fishing from a bass boat with his wife when a seat malfunction caused him to fall overboard. Despite efforts to rescue him, Mayo did not resurface, leading to a search and recovery operation by Game Wardens and Hall County Fire.

A Popular Recreation Spot

Lake Lanier, located in the northern part of Georgia, spans over 690 miles of shoreline and offers 76 recreational areas for activities such as picnicking, camping, boating, swimming, hiking, and fishing. Annually, the lake attracts over 11.8 million visitors, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

A Troubled History

Despite its natural beauty and recreational opportunities, Lake Lanier has earned a reputation for tragedy. Various reports from CNN, Yahoo News, and Teen Vogue have highlighted the haunting legacy of the lake, with over 200 deaths attributed to swimming and boating incidents between 1994 and October 2020.

Advocating for Change

In response to these alarming statistics, Tameka Foster, the mother of 11-year-old Kile Glover who lost his life in a jet ski accident on Lake Lanier, started a petition on Change.org. The petition calls for the draining, cleaning, restoration, and improved safety measures at the lake to prevent further loss of innocent lives.

Recent Tragedies

As recently as 2024, Lake Lanier has seen two drownings, adding to the long list of fatalities that have occurred in its waters. With each tragic incident, the call for increased safety measures and awareness around water activities at the lake grows louder.

As visitors continue to enjoy the recreational opportunities offered by Lake Lanier, it is essential to prioritize safety and vigilance to prevent further loss of life in this beautiful yet troubled waterway.