The search for missing Cumming resident Dustin Valencia came to a close when authorities confirmed that a body retrieved from Lake Lanier on Friday was indeed the 43-year-old father of five. Valencia had been missing since last Wednesday when he did not collect his children from school, prompting his wife to contact the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office. His last known whereabouts were traced to Little Ridge Park, where his kayak, and paddle later surfaced, as per FOX 5 Atlanta.
Initial details from the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office noted that personal items, such as Valencia's flip-flops and the bag for his inflatable kayak, were discovered near his parked Honda Accord. The search entailed the use of sonar equipment and dive teams, the latter of which located the remains in roughly 51 feet of water. The office's Major Crimes Unit is continuing the investigation into Valencia's death, as detailed by WSB-TV, though they have not established an official cause of death as of today.
Despite the undetermined cause, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources reminded the public of the inherent risks of kayaking without a life jacket. "My understanding is that he was not wearing a life vest," an official said in a statement obtained by FOX 5 Atlanta. "Even strong swimmers can have a medical emergency or cramp, If that happens and you’re not wearing a life jacket, you’re at serious risk."
An exact cause of death is awaited, but foul play is not suspected at this juncture, said friends and, authorities have echoed this sentiment, noting Valencia's good health as he was reportedly training for a triathlon.
