UPDATE: Missing Lake Sinclair boater George Williams found dead
Crews found Williams during a shoreline sweep Thursday after his unoccupied boat was discovered near Haslam’s Marina.
UPDATE (10/22/26): Search crews found 76-year-old George Williams dead Thursday afternoon along the shoreline near the railroad trestle on Lake Sinclair, according to Georgia Department of Natural Resources Game Warden Erin Paulk.
Paulk says crews were conducting a shoreline sweep when something beneath tree limbs hanging over the water caught their attention. Crews initially thought it was a boulder or rock before realizing it was Williams.
Williams was found in Putnam County’s portion of the lake, so Putnam County authorities recovered his body.
The cause of his death has not been determined.
UPDATE (10/22/26): Crews are searching Lake Sinclair for 76-year-old George Williams, who went missing near a railroad trestle along the Baldwin and Putnam county line.
Georgia DNR Game Warden Erin Paulk is asking fishermen and recreational boaters to avoid the area near Haslam’s Marina while crews continue searching.
Divers and sonar teams are working to locate Williams after his boat was found unoccupied with fishing equipment and his phone still inside.
ORIGINAL STORY (10/21/26):
BALDWIN COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Public safety crews are searching Lake Sinclair for a missing man believed to have fallen into the water near a railroad trestle along the Baldwin and Putnam county line.
According to the Baldwin County Public Safety Dive Team, the search is taking place near Haslam’s Marina.
Divers are conducting underwater searches, while other personnel are using boats equipped with sonar to help locate the man.
The operation includes the Baldwin County Public Safety Dive Team, Baldwin County Fire Rescue, Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Putnam County Fire Rescue and Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.
Officials are asking recreational boaters and others on the lake to avoid the area until further notice. They say limiting boat traffic will help protect emergency personnel and prevent interference with the search.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
