Authorities have recovered the body of Georgia teacher, Gary Jones, from Lake Oconee, where he vanished while celebrating his 50th birthday. His fiancée, Spelman College instructor Joycelyn Wilson, was found dead in the same lake exactly one month earlier.

Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills confirmed that Jones’s body was discovered Sunday afternoon in 45 feet of water among submerged timber. His remains were located near the spot where Wilson was found a day after they both disappeared on February 8 during a fishing trip.

Their empty boat, still running in circles, was discovered hours after they were last seen. Investigators found Jones’ wallet, driver’s license, and hotel key card onboard. Wilson’s body, still holding her cell phone, was recovered the next day. Officials explained that the air in her lungs allowed her to float.

Despite an extensive three-week search involving sonar, cadaver dogs, helicopters, and drones, Jones remained missing until Wisconsin search expert Keith Cormican used underwater sonar to locate him. Sheriff Sills noted that such an exhaustive search effort had not occurred in over 40 years, per Atlanta News.

Jones’ family, which funded the search, expressed their grief. His brother, Michael Jones, described him as a dedicated servant of God who profoundly impacted many lives. He had been a Westminster Schools teacher since 2002 and coached basketball and track.

Wilson was a beloved math instructor at Spelman College. The couple, who first met 30 years ago at Clark Atlanta University, had reconnected and were set to marry on March 14. Authorities do not suspect foul play and have scheduled autopsies.

#Clique, what are your thoughts?