Man Drowns In GA's Lake Allatoona While Swimming To Dog: Reports

CHEROKEE COUNTY, GA — A man died Thursday after authorities said he went underwater while swimming to his dog in Georgia's Lake Allatoona, according to multiple reports.

The man, identified as 54-year-old Jackie Merrell, of Ellijay, was swimming near the falls at Little River when he went under around 9:45 a.m., according to an Atlanta Journal-Constitution report citing DNR officials. Witnesses told authorities Merrell was swimming to his dog when he disappeared underwater, reports said.

A Cherokee County dive team located Merrell and authorities took him to Kennestone Hospital, where he died, WSB-TV reported.

An official cause of death was not released.

No additional information was immediately available.