Tragic Drowning at Lake Chatuge: 5-Year-Old Boy Dies on Georgia Family Vacation

A heartbreaking incident has struck a family vacation in Georgia, where a 5-year-old boy tragically lost his life after drowning in Lake Chatuge near Hiawassee. The incident occurred midday Tuesday near a rental home on Stonecrest Circle, as the family from Cumming, GA, was enjoying their getaway.

According to the Towns County Sheriff's Office, the young boy had been missing for roughly 10 minutes before he was discovered in the lake by a family member. Deputies and fire personnel rushed to the scene, initiating CPR immediately upon finding the child pulled from the water. Despite their relentless efforts, the boy was transported to Chatuge Regional Hospital, where he sadly passed away later that afternoon.

Towns County Coroner Tamela Cooper revealed the devastating detail that the child 'fell into the lake and couldn’t pull himself out.' She praised the tireless work of EMS, hospital staff, and sheriff's office, noting they 'threw everything they had' into saving him, but the time underwater proved too long.

This accidental death casts a somber shadow over Lake Chatuge, often celebrated for its breathtaking beauty in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. With 132 miles of shoreline, it’s a haven for boating, swimming, and family outings—a cruel irony given the tragedy that unfolded. Our thoughts are with the family during this unimaginable loss, a reminder of how quickly joy can turn to sorrow on the water.