Gwinnett County

21-year-old home from college drowns in Lake Lanier

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Authorities say a 21-year-old drowned in Lake Lanier on Friday.

Firefighters responded just before 7 p.m. to reports of a Jet Ski circling the lake without an operator at East Bank in Buford.

The Jet Ski was located about 100 feet from the boat ramp.

Hall County divers located Bailey Dean O'Shields, 21,  underwater about 30 to 40 feet from the boat ramp.

Officials said O'Shields is from the Suwanee area. They said he was attending college in Florida and was home visiting family for the Labor Day holiday.

O'Shields' mother said he went to the lake to ride the Jet Ski and that was the last time she saw him.

Authorities said it is not clear whether the man had a medical emergency. He was not wearing a life jacket when he was found. His life jacket and personal items were found with the Jet Ski.