Body pulled from river after kayak flips in Betty’s Branch area

COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - A 72-year-old man’s body was pulled from the Savannah River in the Betty’s Branch area on Thursday afternoon.

He and his wife were kayaking in Betty’s Branch when their kayak overturned, causing both of them to fall into the water.

First responders were called to the scene around 5 p.m.

The man did not resurface.

His wife was able to retrieve him with help from witnesses, who got them to shore.

The man was pronounced dead on the sandbar.

His body has been turned over to the Columbia County Coroner’s Office.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources does not investigate drownings, so the agency will not be conducting an investigation.

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