A tragic incident unfolded at Lake Lanier’s Bethel Park in Forsyth County, Georgia, on the afternoon of Saturday, August 31, 2024, when a 46-year-old man from Vinings, identified as Hasani Kamau Widemond, drowned while swimming. The incident has left a community in mourning and has raised concerns about safety at the popular recreational spot.
The incident occurred just before 2 p.m. as Widemond, who had been enjoying a day on the lake, attempted to swim from the shore back to his boat. According to eyewitnesses and authorities, Widemond suddenly went under the water and did not resurface. The serene afternoon quickly turned into a desperate situation as bystanders realized the severity of what had transpired.
Immediately after the incident, emergency services were called to the scene. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Game Wardens, Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, Forsyth County Fire Department, and Hall County Fire Department all responded to the emergency with urgency. The combined efforts of these agencies underscored the gravity of the situation and the importance of coordination in such rescue operations.
Upon arrival, game wardens deployed advanced technology to aid in the search and recovery effort. Utilizing boat-mounted sonar, they were able to locate Widemond’s body approximately 25 feet underwater. The use of sonar technology in such cases is crucial, as it allows rescuers to effectively scan the lakebed, especially in areas where visibility is low and the water depth is significant.
The recovery operation was further supported by the Hall County Fire Department’s Remote Operated Vessel (ROV) and divers from the Forsyth County Fire Department. The ROV, a remotely controlled underwater vehicle, played a key role in the precise location and retrieval of Widemond’s body, ensuring that the operation was conducted safely and efficiently.
Despite the swift response and the deployment of sophisticated equipment, the tragic outcome has left many in the community shaken. The circumstances surrounding Widemond’s drowning are still under investigation by authorities, as they work to piece together what led to this devastating incident.
Such investigations typically involve examining factors like water conditions, the victim’s swimming ability, and whether any external factors, such as sudden changes in weather or watercraft activity, may have contributed to the drowning.
