Here’s what we know about the missing boater on Lake Lanier | Body found near kayak

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Authorities have recovered a body near the kayak belonging to a missing man on Lake Lanier, offering a key break in the ongoing search effort.

On Friday at around 1:30 p.m., DNR wardens said they recovered a body in the cove in the same area where the kayak was found. They have not identified the body as Dustin Valencia, the 43-year-old reported missing on Wednesday.

“The body was found in the cove where we suspected that it would be, so it just took a matter of time with some sonar equipment to locate that body and as they began to locate it, it was fortunately in an area that was a very clear bottom. This cove slopes from the outsides to the inside so it’s deeper in the middle. The body was found in 51 feet of water, and it was very close to the center of the cove,” Mark McKinnon said with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. “They were able to bring the Forsyth County Fire divers in and they made that recovery. We are not identifying the individual at this time as we try to identify family and once that is done we will give a positive identification and they’re also making sure that it is the person that we think it is.”

Here’s what we know:

• According to the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, he did not appear to be wearing a life vest.
• Valencia’s car, a Honda Accord, was found parked near Little Ridge Park, where investigators now believe he launched his kayak.
• Deputies located the kayak in a nearby cove and have since focused search efforts to that area, which is roughly 10 acres.
• Officials recovered a body near the area of Little Ridge Park. It has not been identified yet as Dustin Valencia. It was found in the center of the cove in 51-feet of water.
• The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office will handle the investigation of the body.
• The search operation has concluded.
• The Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources, along with Forsyth County Fire and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, handled the search efforts.
• Search crews used a variety of sonar units, marine units, drones, and K-9s to help with the operation.
• Volunteers also stepped in to assist, including a certified search-and-rescue dog named Jones. His handler, Gabby Gammans of Panoramic Dog Training traveled from Clarksville in Habersham County to help in the search.
• Officials asked boaters to stay away from the area in order to keep the water calm.
• There has been no indication of foul play.
• Valencia is a father of five.

Watch 3 p.m. Friday update:

Watch 12 p.m. Friday update:

A Meal Train fundraiser has been created to help Valencia’s wife and five children during this difficult time. To donate, click here.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact deputies at (770) 781-3087.