13-year-old boy drowns in tragic river accident at Scarboro Landing

A 13-year-old boy tragically drowned while on a river trip in Scarboro Landing on Sunday afternoon, September 22, 2024. Scarboro Landing is located north of the Bulloch County line in Jenkins County.

According to witnesses, the teenager was last seen jumping into the river while swimming with friends who had met for a barbecue and recreational day. When he did not resurface, friends and onlookers immediately raised the alarm.

The Jenkins County 911 call was received around 4:30 p.m., prompting a response from the Jenkins County Sheriff's Office, Jenkins County EMS, Jenkins County Fire Department, and agents with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR).

Rescuers requested additional assistance from the Bulloch County Sheriff's Office boat rescue team, which recently acquired sonar equipment to locate the teen. The Evans County Fire and Rescue dive team was also called in to assist.

Jenkins County Coroner Henry Young confirmed that divers recovered the boy's body around 8 p.m. His body was sent to the GBI crime lab to determine the official cause of death.

Sheriff Oglesby expressed his condolences to the boy's family and friends and praised the efforts of everyone involved in the search. “Everyone stepped up to help us. I thank Sheriff Noel Brown of Bulloch County for sending his team and Sheriff Mac Edwards of Evans County for connecting us with the Evans County Dive Team. DNR, Evans County Fire and EMS Dive Team, Jenkins Fire, Jenkins EMS and everyone who helped showed that in times of need, county boundaries don't matter. When called, they respond. I thank them all.”

Preliminary investigations have revealed conflicting reports about the incident. While some witnesses reported that the teenager was swimming, others suggested that he may have crossed the river on foot and fallen into a deep hole. A language barrier among witnesses posed additional challenges.

This tragic incident is a stark reminder of the dangers associated with swimming in natural bodies of water. The communities of Jenkins and Evans County mourn this devastating loss.

Grice Connect and Jenkins County Times extend their sincere condolences to the family and friends affected by this tragic loss.