Family identifies Ga. man who fell off jet ski, drowned in front of his son on Ga. river

BRANTLEY COUNTY, Ga. — A Georgia man who drowned after falling off a jet ski will be laid to rest this weekend.

Steve Elkins, 55, died after the accident on June 30, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

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Game wardens responded around 6 p.m. that night to a call on the Satilla River in Brantley County. They were told that Elkins had been driving a jet ski when he hit the throttle and fell into the river.

DNR said his son saw him fall and swam toward him; however, Elkins went under and never resurfaced. Authorities pulled his body out of the river three days later.

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Elkins’ family set up a GoFundMe to help his wife Tonya with the funeral payments.

“Steve was also the only resource in their home, as Tonya is disabled. Every little bit helps and is very appreciated, please help with any amount you can.”

According to his obituary, Elkins worked as a historic preservationist, working on historic buildings for the government. He loved his family, granddaughter Emma, the Georgia Bulldogs and his country.

Click here to donate to the GoFundMe.

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