76-Year-Old Man Drowns After Falling Into Lake While Fishing at Night with Friend

76-Year-Old Man Drowns After Falling Into Lake While Fishing at Night with Friend

Tragedy struck a Georgia man when a night of fishing with a friend ended in a heartbreaking drowning incident. Horace Gilbert, a 76-year-old man, was sadly pronounced dead on Tuesday, April 22, after his body was recovered from Lake Eufaula. The unfortunate incident occurred after Gilbert had gone fishing the night before with a friend near a cove known as Mouth of the Creek. Reports from WTVM detailed that Gilbert lost his balance while attempting to hoist the anchor to initiate their journey back to the boat ramp.

The friend accompanying Gilbert witnessed him losing his balance and submerging headfirst into the water. Concerned when Gilbert did not resurface, the friend promptly contacted the authorities around 11 p.m. local time that evening. Charles Brown, Gilbert’s brother-in-law, shared that it was not uncommon for them to fish during nighttime hours. He mentioned, “We generally fish at night. We use the light to draw in the crappie that we fish for. He’s been doing this for quite some time, since a kid probably. I moved down here 12 years ago. He taught me how to fish.”

The depth of the lake where Gilbert was last seen was approximately 36 feet. Due to the depth and underwater terrain, divers had to utilise sonar equipment to locate and recover his body. Chris Ball, the president of Houston County Rescue, elaborated on the treacherous conditions of the lake, highlighting a steep drop-off from 10 to 30 feet in a short distance. He emphasised the paramount importance of water safety practices, such as wearing life jackets, particularly during activities like fishing to prevent tragic accidents.

In remembrance of the beloved 76-year-old, who was an active member of his church, heartfelt tributes poured in through an online obituary shared by Perkins Funeral Service. Deacon Darryl Williams expressed his condolences to the Gilbert family and reminisced about the camaraderie shared with Horace Gilbert, describing him as a father figure to many in the community. The obituary indicated that funeral arrangements would be disclosed at a later date as family and friends mourned the loss of a cherished member of their community.

The unfortunate incident serves as a grim reminder of the significance of adhering to water safety measures, even during seemingly routine activities like fishing. Authorities reiterated the importance of wearing life jackets to potentially avert tragedies like Gilbert’s drowning while engaging in water-based pursuits. As the community grapples with this devastating loss, the memory of Horace Gilbert’s warm spirit and impact on those around him will endure through shared stories and cherished moments spent together.

The details surrounding the incident shed light on the unforeseen dangers that can arise, even during familiar and recreational outings. The narrative serves as a poignant reminder for individuals to prioritise safety and precautionary measures when venturing into natural environments like lakes and rivers, underscoring the critical role of preparedness in potentially life-threatening scenarios.

As family, friends, and acquaintances mourn the passing of Horace Gilbert, the community unites in honouring his memory and the positive influence he had on those around him. Amidst the sorrow and reflection, the tragic event underscores the fragility of life and the importance of valuing every moment shared with loved ones. The legacy of Horace Gilbert will live on through the lives he touched and the lessons learned from this heartbreaking incident.