Body found in Lake Lanier identified as missing kayaker

The body pulled from Lake Lanier last week was identified as the 43-year-old Dustin Valencia.
Published: May 19, 2025 at 9:58 AM EDT|Updated: May 19, 2025 at 12:44 PM EDT

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - The body pulled from Lake Lanier last week was identified as the 43-year-old kayaker who went missing on the water.

The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office said Dustin Valencia was pulled from the lake on Friday.

ORIGINAL STORY: Kayak found, search continues for missing man on Lake Lanier

Valencia went missing on Wednesday while out on the lake. His kayak was later found by a cove near Little Ridge Park. The sheriff’s office said on Friday that it was found in the center of the cove in 51 feet of water.

Valencia’s car, a Honda Accord, was also found parked in that area where investigators now believe he launched his kayak.

A GoFundMe has been created to help support Valencia’s family with daily needs, bills and long-term care for his children. Click here if you would like to donate.