By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Body of missing DeKalb County firefighter found in Lake Lanier
Placeholder Image

Hall County authorities discovered the body of a missing DeKalb County firefighter in Lake Lanier on Thursday, authorities said.

Jason Blalock, 37, of Buford, was last seen Saturday at a party near Sunset Cove at Lake Lanier.

“At some point in the evening, his friends lost touch with Mr. Blalock,” Hall County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chad Mann wrote in a news release.

Blalock did not show up for his shift with the DeKalb County Fire Department.

“His supervisor noted this to be out of character for Mr. Blalock and subsequently filed a report with the Hall County Sheriff’s Office,” Mann wrote.

Blalock’s vehicle was still parked at Sunset Cove when investigators began speaking with witnesses and family members.

Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources and Hall County Fire Services assisted in the search of the lake.

“After several hours, searchers located a body with the Department of Natural Resouces’ side scan SONAR and were able to confirm the image with their deployed ROV underwater robot,” Mann wrote.

The Hall County Dive Team recovered the body.

“We are deeply saddened by the news of the loss of one of our own, Firefighter (FAO) Jason Blalock,” DeKalb County Fire Chief Darnell Fullum said in a statement. “His untimely death has affected us all. He was an 11-year veteran of the DeKalb County Fire Rescue Department and proudly served at one of the busiest, Fire Station 24. We offer our condolences to the Blalock family and stand with them as they mourn their loss.”