Buford man dies in Lake Lanier after slipping off boat for lost hat

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. - A 71-year-old Buford man drowned in Lake Lanier Saturday afternoon after slipping from his boat while trying to retrieve a hat. 

Lake Lanier boating search

What we know:

Emergency crews responded to Lake Lanier near Three Sisters Island at about 3:28 p.m. Saturday following reports of a drowning. Forsyth and Hall County sheriff's offices, fire departments and dive teams joined Georgia Department of Natural Resources game wardens at the scene. First responders used boat-mounted SONAR and additional specialized equipment to search the area. 

Witnesses said Kim Gregory Battle was operating his boat when his hat flew off. He stopped the vessel and walked to the back to retrieve it, but slipped and fell into the water without resurfacing. Game wardens spotted Battle in 11 feet of water at about 5:30 p.m. and recovered his body at 5:46 p.m. using a Remote Operated Vessel. 

Department of Natural Resources search

What we don't know:

Officials have not yet confirmed if Battle was wearing a life jacket when he fell into the water. Authorities have not released details on whether alcohol or mechanical issues contributed to the incident.