Missing Coach Search Expands After Professor Found Dead in Boat Incident

ATLANTA, GA — Tragedy struck at Lake Oconee over the weekend when authorities discovered a college professor deceased and her fiancé, a school track coach, missing after their boat was found adrift.

Gary Jones, a teacher and track coach at Westminster School, and Joycelyn Wilson, a math professor at Spelman College, were reported missing after their boat was located circling the lake with no occupants on board. Officials confirmed that the couple had set out for a day on the water last Saturday.

Days after the initial report, search teams recovered Wilson’s body, but the search for Jones continues. His shoes were also found floating in the water, approximately 200 yards from where Wilson was discovered.

Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills has stated there’s an ‘infinite number’ of possibilities regarding the circumstances of their disappearance. As of now, authorities are investigating potential foul play, which is standard protocol in similar cases.

“Our teams have been tirelessly searching the area with the help of volunteers who knew the couple well,” Sheriff Sills said. “We hope to find Gary soon and bring closure to this tragic situation.”

Search and rescue operations have involved law enforcement as well as the Department of Natural Resources. They have used boats and drones to scour the lake in hopes of finding Jones alive.

The community has rallied around both families during this distressing time, sharing memories of the couple in support of their loved ones. Friends described Wilson as dedicated to her students and passionate about teaching mathematics, while Jones was known for his commitment to coaching and mentoring young athletes.

As the investigation unfolds, local authorities continue to urge anyone with information to come forward as they work diligently to solve this baffling case.