BUTTS COUNTY, Ga. — A person is dead and a Butts County deputy is being charged following a boating accident at Lake Jackson in Jasper County late Sunday night. According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, two people were ejected from a boat vessel. One of them was able to swim to shore while the other person drowned.
The next day at around 2 p.m., game wardens were able to locate the body of 56-year-old Joseph Howard Upchurch, according to DNR officials. His body was turned over to the Jasper County Coroner's Office.
DNR officials said a 38-year-old was arrested and charged with operating a vessel under the influence. Butts County Sheriff Gary Long confirmed the person facing charges was his deputy.
The sheriff's office previously said the deputy was in the ICU with "major injuries." Long said the deputy is in critical condition in the hospital with a ruptured spleen, lacerated liver, broken ribs and suffered a concussion.
Georgia law enforcement agencies and the DNR are leading the investigation. Long confirmed the deputy is on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
The sheriff's office previously asked the public on Facebook for prayers for both families.
"I would ask for continued prayers for the families of both involved and pray God will bring them peace and comfort during this most difficult time," the sheriff's office previously said in the Facebook post.