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Body found after fisherman thrown overboard during tournament

Body of Sonny Lewis, 31, recovered by game wardens

Facebook profile photo of Sonny Lewis on map of Satilla River

CAMDEN COUNTY, Ga. – The body of a fisherman knocked into the Satilla River after two boats collided during a tournament over the weekend has been found, Georgia authorities said.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources said Sonny Lewis, 31, was thrown overboard during a crash about 10:30 p.m. Saturday at Hell's Gate along the Satilla River.

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The collision happened during the Flathead Catfish tournament, and Lewis, who was from Lenox, Georgia, was a passenger on one of the boats. The driver of that boat was injured and taken to a hospital, officials said.

No injuries were reported from the other boat involved in the collision. Authorities have not yet provided details about the crash or what caused it.

After search and rescue efforts all night Saturday and all day Sunday, the effort turned to a recovery mission for Lewis' body Monday, and authorities confirmed that his body was found by Georgia game wardens and turned over to the Camden County coroner's office.

Georgia DNR is investigating the crash, which could take several weeks.

Family members posted to Facebook on Monday after Lewis' body was recovered, asking the community for prayers:

Such a beautiful place and such a peaceful place. Today Sonny Lewis was found. We are so grateful for all the help, ...

Posted by Delphia Jolene Monk on Monday, June 24, 2019

About the Author
Francine Frazier headshot

A Jacksonville native and proud University of North Florida alum, Francine Frazier has been with News4Jax since 2014 after spending nine years at The Florida Times-Union.

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