An Atlanta man’s body was found Friday afternoon in the Chattahoochee River after authorities said he waded into the water to attempt to free a tangled fishing line.
The victim was identified Wednesday as 55-year-old Salvador Colin Gomez, according to Robert Bumgardner of the Gwinnett County Medical Examiner’s office.
Gomez was fishing with his two brothers when authorities were called to the scene about 5 p.m., Gwinnett fire Capt. Tommy Rutledge said in a news release.
“He waded out to a rock and was swept away by a swift current as he tried to cross back to the riverbank,” Rutledge said.
A Gwinnett police helicopter located the body, officials said. It was found in about 10 feet of water, which has an estimated year-round temperature of 50 degrees.
Crews administered CPR but stopped when there were no signs of life, Rutledge said. Gomez was pronounced dead at the scene.
Rutledge said water generation from Buford Dam was occurring at the time, and the water and current levels were increased at Medlock Bridge Park.
“This is a very tragic incident,” Rutledge said, “and our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends.”
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