Grandfather of 1 of 2 teens missing in creek says family isn't giving up hope

OCONEE COUNTY, Ga. — Recovery teams are searching for two teenagers who were swept underwater.

Bryant Wade and Cameron Smith, both 18 years old, disappeared Friday in Barber Creek in Oconee County. Authorities said both teens fell into the creek, and Smith tried to rescue Wade. They said the two boys didn't know each other.

Crews searched the creek all weekend to no avail.

On Monday, they resumed searching in the water and from above. As they entered day four of searching, they expanded the search to the Middle Oconee River.

"It's filled with snags. It's filled with lots of places a body could be," Oconee County Sheriff Scott Berry said.

K-9 teams, kayakers and volunteers on foot are out in force, continuing the search for the two missing teenagers. Helicopters and drones are searching the area.

Despite the large search radius, Berry says the lack of rain has helped make the water more visible during the search.

"We've been very fortunate that the water levels continue to recede," he said.

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The sheriff told Johnson that authorities will be out there for as long it takes to find the two young men.

Authorities have called this a recovery effort, as they believe both teens drowned in the water.

Multiple local agencies, including Georgia State Patrol, the Department of Natural Resources and deputies in Madison County, are assisting in the search, sheriff’s officials said.

A rescue team from South Carolina used underwater cameras in the creek on Sunday.

A DNR helicopter also flew over the area where the teens were last seen.

Berry said the dive teams have moved on from the dam where the boys first fell in.

Wade's grandfather is now warning others to stay away from the creek.

“If you're going to swim, go to the beaches, go to the lakes. Go somewhere where you got your lifeguards,” Roger Smart said.

Smart said the family isn't giving up hope.

"We still have hope that they're in these woods somewhere, lost and trying to find the road or a house or something," he said. "God is good, and it's in his hands, and everything happens for a reason."

Smart said he's thankful for the hundreds of people who are helping with the search.

"We thank them so much for spending their time. It's remarkable," he said.

Wade's family has set up a memorial fund to help his parents. Donations can be made at any First American Bank location.

"Please keep the prayers coming, We may not know you, but we can feel it," Smart said.

Cox Media Group