Milledgeville Pastor Dies in Lake Sinclair Marina

MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The pastor of Freedom Church in Milledgville died while trying to launch his boat at Lake Sinclair Marina.

Baldwin County rescue workers found 75-year-old Wendell Ray Thomas’ 2003 Dodge Dakota pick-up truck submerged in Lake Sinclair around 3:13pm Monday.

The Lake Sinclair Marina is the largest marina in Baldwin County.

Captain Brad King with the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office said his agency has ruled out mechanical foul play.

“It is common practice that when you boat alone, you secure the boat off with a line, and then you back it down into the lake,” said King. “That, allows you to have the boat secure then you can go ahead and move your vehicle.”

The sheriff’s office is continuing to investigate the cause of the incident.

“We don’t know if there was any type of medical issue or if he accidently rolled back into the lake,” added Captain King. “To the best of our knowledge the vehicle was operating properly.”

Thomas was the Pastor of Freedom Church located at 500 Underwood Road in Milledgeville.