CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. — A 54-year-old man died Thursday morning after going under while swimming near Allatoona Falls at Toonigh Creek in Cherokee County.
Officials with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources said units responded to the Little River Boat Ramp on Lake Allatoona after receiving calls the 54-year-old, identified as Jackie Merrell of Ellijay, had gone missing near the falls, which are also frequently called Toonigh Creek Falls.
"Witnesses stated the male was swimming out to his dog in the water, when he went under," a DNR statement said. "The Cherokee County dive team quickly located the man in 15 feet of water, and he was transported to Kennestone Hospital where he was pronounced deceased."
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