Crime & Safety
UPDATED: Child Killed in Lanier Boating Collision, Boat Driver Arrested
One boat fled the scene Monday, authorities said.
UPDATED June 19 at 12:15 p.m.
An 9-year-old child was killed and a 13-year-old teen is missing after a boating accident late Monday on Lake Lanier, according to a press release from the Wildlife Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
The 9-year-old was killed when the pontoon boat on which he was riding was struck by a boat reportedly driven by Paul J. Bennett, 44, of Cumming. The pontoon boat was carrying 13 people, including the missing teen, at the time of the accident. Three others on the pontoon boat were injured.
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According to investigators, Bennett left the scene of the accident. He was arrested by DNR officers at about 1:30 a.m. at the Bald Ridge Marina in Forsyth County and charged with boating under the influence.
Authorities continue to search for the missing 13-year-old. Divers from agencies including Hall, Forsyth and Gwinnett counties are taking part in the search. The DNR is also using side-scan sonar, a device used to find and identify objects underwater.
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The accident remains under investigation by the DNR’s Critical Incident Reconstruction Team.
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