A day on the water at Lake Martin turned tragic Wednesday when a recent University of Georgia graduate died after a cliff jump at Chimney Rock, authorities said. The man, later identified as 24-year-old Jayden Barreto, never resurfaced after leaping from the rock formation. Rescue crews searched the water for hours before recovering his body that evening.
According to 11Alive, the University of Georgia confirmed Barreto’s identity and said he graduated in 2025 with bachelor’s degrees in business administration and psychology. The university acknowledged the loss and extended condolences to his family and the wider UGA community, according to the outlet.
Search and recovery
Montgomery Fire and Rescue and local dive teams joined the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency in an hours-long search at Chimney Rock, officials said. WAKA Action 8 reported that troopers and marine patrol units responded after the swimmer failed to surface. The Montgomery Advertiser noted that a six-person dive team carried out systematic underwater sweeps, and WSFA reported that crews later found Barreto’s body on a shelf about 50 feet below the surface.
What officials said
Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin told WSFA that witnesses saw Barreto make the jump and that he never came back up. “Jayden jumped off the rock, and witnesses told us he never came back up,” Franklin said, adding that investigators had found no indication of foul play.
Chimney Rock’s risks
Chimney Rock, sometimes called Acapulco Rock, is a long-time jump spot on Lake Martin that regularly draws boaters and swimmers. Local reporting notes the water below can plunge to roughly 150 feet deep, and authorities warn that submerged ledges and awkward entry angles can make high jumps especially dangerous, according to the Montgomery Advertiser. Officials have urged groups visiting the lake to exercise extra caution around the cliffs, per local crews.
University response
The University of Georgia confirmed that Barreto was a recent graduate and identified him in a statement, according to 11Alive. The school expressed sympathy for his family, friends, and classmates while officials continue to review the circumstances around his death.
Investigation continuing
ALEA’s Marine Patrol is leading investigative work on the water while local agencies coordinate with county officials, WAKA Action 8 reported. Authorities said the death appears to be an accidental drowning and have asked anyone with photos or video from the Chimney Rock area on Wednesday to contact investigators, according to local reports.
