Three people drown at three Troup County parks on West Point Lake in 13 days

Three people have drowned in West Point Lake at three Troup County parks over the past 13 days, according to local authorities.

On July 1, emergency crews responded to a report of a swimmer in distress at R. Shaefer Heard Park, according to a July 2 news release from the Troup County Sheriff’s Office.

After confirming the swimmer had not resurfaced, the Troup County Fire Department Dive Team began search and recovery efforts. At 10:45 p.m., 22-year-old Lorenzo Collins of Stockbridge, Georgia, was pulled from the water, the release says.

Four days later, on July 5, Troup County 911 responded to another call about a swimmer in distress at Horace King Park. In a July 6 news release, the sheriff’s office said the dive team recovered 21-year-old Marquis Rice, of Forsyth, Georgia, from the lake at 10:14 p.m.

The third incident happened Sunday at McGee Bridge Park, according to a Monday’s news release from the sheriff’s office. Emergency responders received a call at 12:43 p.m. after a man went underwater and did not resurface. They recovered the body of 32-year-old Deshun Mayfield of Atlanta, according to the release.

The sheriff’s office said all the incidents appear to be tragic swimming accidents.

“The Troup County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind everyone of the dangers of swimming, especially in a large body of water,” Monday’s news release says. “Even the most experienced swimmers should consider wearing a life jacket. or have a floatation device when swimming. Our hearts are with the victim’s family and friends during this time.”