PRESS RELEASE – Habersham County E-911 received a call at 4:20 p.m. Saturday reporting a juvenile who had been in the swimming area at Lake Russell Beach disappeared from view.

Units from Habersham County Emergency Services and the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office responded, along with personnel from Cornelia Fire Department and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division.

The victim was located in about 10 feet of water inside the designated swimming area after at least 23 minutes in the water and medical care began immediately.

Despite valiant attempts by responders and the medical flight crew from AirLife Georgia 14, the 12-year-old passed away.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragedy.