GILMER COUNTY, Ga. — The search for a man who disappeared on Carter’s Lake has transitioned into an ongoing investigation led by the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office after an extensive multi-agency search effort spanning more than a week.

Sean Cunningham was reported missing on Carter’s Lake, prompting an intensive search involving local, state, and federal agencies. Crews conducted exhaustive operations on both the water and surrounding land in an effort to locate him.

In an update, Gilmer County Emergency Management acknowledged the challenges search teams faced throughout the operation and expressed appreciation for the agencies and personnel who dedicated countless hours to the effort.

Among the agencies involved were the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office, Gilmer County Fire Rescue, Georgia K9 Search & Recovery, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, Murray County Emergency Management, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Emergency Management officials said the coordinated response required significant manpower, specialized resources, and time as crews searched the area.

While the large-scale search has concluded, officials said the investigation and any continued search efforts are now being directed by the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office and are expected to continue.

Authorities also expressed their support for Cunningham’s family during the difficult time.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with them,” the agency said in its statement.

Gilmer County Emergency Management also thanked members of the public who offered to volunteer or assist with the search, noting that the community’s willingness to help did not go unnoticed.

As of the latest official update, Cunningham has not been located, and authorities have not released any additional information regarding the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. The investigation remains active.