Dad of 5 Goes Missing While Kayaking on Mysterious Lake Lanier
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A father of five has disappeared while kayaking on Lake Lanier, a notorious reservoir in Georgia that has gained a reputation for being “haunted” due to the numerous deaths that have occurred there. Dustin Valencia, 43, was reported missing on Wednesday, May 14, after failing to pick up his children from school, according to local reports from NBC affiliate WXIA-TV and ABC affiliate WSB-TV. Valencia’s car was later found parked at Little Ridge Park, as reported by WSB-TV and FOX affiliate WAGA-TV. Sgt. Josh Bell from the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) mentioned that some items were discovered near his vehicle on the shore of Lake Lanier. It is believed that Valencia set off in an inflatable kayak from the lake shore and has not been seen since.
Authorities announced on Friday, May 16, that the kayak had been located after an individual spotted it floating in the water on Wednesday and retrieved it from the lake, according to CBS affiliate WANF. The individual informed the authorities on Thursday after learning that the kayak likely belonged to the missing man. The FCSO is yet to respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment on the matter. The local community describes Valencia as a father of five and a two-time doughnut-eating champion, as mentioned in a Facebook post by Dutch Monkey Doughnuts. A vigil was conducted for Valencia on Thursday, May 15, at a local church, attended by friends and well-wishers who expressed deep concern and worry for his well-being.
Valencia’s wife informed authorities that he left home on Wednesday around 1 p.m. in his black Honda Accord. When he did not arrive to collect their children at 3 p.m., she tried to locate him using the “Find My iPhone” app but was unsuccessful in finding him at the indicated location on Samples Road. Deputies later discovered Valencia’s car only 15 minutes away from their residence on Lanier Beach South Bend. According to a recent update issued by Dutch Monkey Doughnuts on Facebook, the wind direction at the lake was such that it would have pushed the kayak back to its initial starting point if Valencia had ventured out onto the water.
Efforts to locate Valencia have involved the deployment of drone teams, marine patrol units from the Forsyth Sheriff’s Office, Department of Natural Resources, and Army Corps of Engineers, all collaborating in the search operation, as reported by WSB-TV. Although there is currently no suspicion of foul play in his disappearance, friends mentioned that Valencia, known for being in shape for triathlons, was not wearing a life vest at the time he went missing. Sadly, more than 200 fatalities have been recorded in Lake Lanier since 1994, highlighting the dangers associated with the large reservoir. The lake’s history is marred by tragedy, having been created in the 1950s through the flooding of numerous communities, causing the displacement of hundreds of families, including the prosperous Black community of Oscarville.
In a tragic sequence of events, the body of water remains a somber reminder of the lives lost over the years, with many in the local area now believing the lake to be “haunted.” The disappearance of Dustin Valencia only serves to deepen the mysterious and unsettling reputation of Lake Lanier. The ongoing search for Valencia continues, with hopes of his safe return diminishing as time passes. The local community, along with law enforcement and rescue teams, remain dedicated to finding answers and providing closure to Valencia’s family and loved ones as they grapple with the uncertainty and anguish of his disappearance.