A Douglas man reported missing around 3:40 a.m. at Baymeadows Thursday was found deceased in the main lake several hours later. First responders began searching the southern portion of the lake around 8 a.m. and recovered the body around 9:30 a.m.
The deceased, identified as Johntavier Smith, was at the lake early this morning with three other individuals. Authorities say they left Smith to find Smith’s keys. When they returned a short time later, Smith was gone. At some point, he apparently fell into the lake.
Thursday morning, officers from the sheriff’s department, Coffee County Fire Department/EMA, coroner Brandon Musgrove, and agents from the GBI were on the scene investigating. Foul play is not suspected. Smith has been sent to the GBI Crime Lab for autopsy.