The Woodstock High School community is currently grappling with the loss of 17-year-old Jackson Cole Croft, whose body was found in Lake Allatoona following a boating incident. Croft was a rising senior and active member of the local racing community, as reported by FOX 5 Atlanta.
Last week, Croft's unmanned boat was discovered circling in the Little River area of the lake, which led to a coordinated search operation. Officials from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) were able quickly to locate the teenager using side-scan sonar technology. Divers subsequently recovered Croft's body from 22 feet of water, according to Mark McKinnon, a spokesperson for Georgia DNR. Sadly, findings indicated that the teen was not wearing a life jacket at the time of his recovery.
Dixie Speedway, where Croft had recently begun his racing career, expressed their condolences via social media. "The Swims and Green family are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Jackson Croft," wrote Mia Green, Vice President of Dixie Speedway, in a tribute that was shared with People. Highlighting his deep family ties to the sport, the post added, "Jackson has been around racing his entire life with his dad, Jason Croft, competing in the Super Late Model division. He started his racing career this year and was on a path to make his mark in the industry."
Woodstock High School officials extended their sympathies, remembering Croft for his passions outside of school, which included fishing, hunting, rodeo, and racing. "He was not a fan of school (great outdoorsmen, cowboys, and race car drivers rarely are), but he was a joy to have in the classroom and someone who made all of us better, someone who made us who we are: unique, honest, and dedicated," the school conveyed in a statement shared by FOX 5 Atlanta.
Further details regarding Croft's funeral have not yet been publicly disclosed. A tribute to his memory is scheduled, with the RockN’5L Rodeo Company's Jr. Pro Division planning a commemoration event on June 21. Attendees are encouraged to wear camo green, Croft's favored color.
