The body of a missing boater was found around 7 p.m.
Tuesday evening after two days of searching led by the Baldwin County Public Safety Drive Team.
“Over the past few days, numerous agencies, as well as private citizens, have contributed to this recovery effort, ultimately providing closure for the family,” the organization posted to Facebook. “Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.”
At approximately 1:30 p.m. on March 24, while out conducting fishing and boating patrols, Georgia DNR Game Wardens observed a small boat flipped upside down near Bass’s Boat House on Lake Sinclair.
“The officers were able to determine the owner of the boat, and the family confirmed that the operator had gone on an overnight fishing trip and had not returned,” said Mark McKinnon, communications manager for Georgia DNR Law Enforcement Division. “Search efforts began immediately and are ongoing with Georgia DNR assisting Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office and Baldwin County Fire & Rescue.”
The victim was identified as 36-year-old Chester Upton IV.
According to his Facebook page, he had purchased the boat on March 5 and expressed excitement about being able to fish on the lake.
Organizations involved with the search and support of search teams included the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, Baldwin County Fire Rescue, Georgia DNR, Milledgeville Fire Rescue, Deep South Kennels, Putnam County Fire, Baldwin County EMA, Atirum EMS, BRC Creek Farms, Pickle Barrel and Boat Doctor.