Officials returned Monday to search Lake Allatoona for a man who went missing after a fatal boat crash Thursday.

The collision near the Little River Marina off Bells Ferry Road killed James Mills, 51, of Taylorsville. He died of his injuries Friday.

Rescue teams have been searching for boater Ronnie Bentley, 66, of Canton, since he was reported missing.

An unidentified 68-year-old man who was injured in the collision was taken to WellStar Kennestone Hospital for treatment, officials said.

On Monday, Department of Natural Resources spokesman Mark McKinnon said sonar capability was nearly exhausted so only one boat returned to search.

Cadaver dogs in the water indicate officials are searching in the right area, but the curve to the lake affects the technology.

“This is a difficult search due to a sloped bottom and heavy timber on the bottom,” McKinnon said.

Beginning Tuesday, search efforts will be scaled back, McKinnon said, conducting shoreline and surface searches a few times a day.

About the Author

Keep Reading

A Korean Air plane takes off from Incheon International Airport in South Korea on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. The plane is chartered to bring back Korean workers detained in an immigration raid in Georgia. (Yonhap via AP)

Credit: AP

Featured

In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com