Father Drowns in Front of Children After Attempting to Reach Boat at Lake Lanier

Hasani Kamau Widemond died on Lake Lanier (pictured) over Labor Day weekend (stock image)Photo byCredit: GETTY

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Incident Overview A tragic incident unfolded over Labor Day weekend at Lake Lanier, Georgia, where 46-year-old Hasani Kamau Widemond tragically drowned in front of his family. Widemond attempted to swim to his boat from the shore, an endeavor that ended in disaster, marking the third death at the lake this year.

Incident Details

• Date: Saturday, August 31, 2024.
• Location: Lake Lanier, Bethel Park, 50 miles northeast of Atlanta, Georgia
• Victim: Hasani Kamau Widemond, 46, from Vinings, Georgia
• Witnesses: Widemond's wife and young children

Response and Recovery Emergency services responded promptly to the scene, deploying police and fire crews to search for Widemond. His body was eventually located 25 feet deep in the water using advanced sonar technology and a remote-operated vessel. Despite the quick response, the incident ended in tragedy, with Widemond being pronounced dead at the scene.

Statements and Warnings Forsyth County Fire Division Chief Jason Shivers, who was involved in the recovery operation, expressed his sorrow over the incident: “It was very tragic and sad, something I personally have been involved with way too many times in my career.” Chief Shivers also issued a stern warning to others, urging them to take lake safety seriously: “Wear a life preserver, always swim with a buddy and don’t ever be in the water alone.”

Lake Lanier's Grim History Lake Lanier has a troubling history, with Widemond’s death being the third in 2024 alone. Earlier this year, two other elderly men lost their lives in the lake under similar circumstances. The lake, which attracts over 11 million visitors annually, has seen 203 swimming or boat-related deaths between 1994 and October 2020.

Lake Safety Recommendations

• Always wear a life jacket when on a boat.
• Swim with a friend or in supervised areas.
• Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming or boating.
• Check weather conditions before heading out.

Conclusion The tragic death of Hasani Kamau Widemond is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers posed by large bodies of water like Lake Lanier. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of adhering to safety protocols to prevent further loss of life at this popular yet perilous destination.

Source

• U.S. Department of Agriculture
• CBS affiliate WANF
• The US Sun