GA Firefighter Dies in Off-Duty Boating Accident

    June 28, 2021
    Gainesville firefighter Chandler Patterson, who had been with the department for seven years, was with friends on Lake Tugaloo when the accident happened.

    By Tim Darnell

    Source The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

    Gainesville, GA, Fire Department
    Gainesville, GA, firefighter Chandler Paterson.
    Gainesville, GA, firefighter Chandler Paterson.

    A 27-year-old Georgia firefighter died Saturday evening in a boating accident.

    According to the Gainesville Fire Department, Chandler Patterson was with friends on Lake Tugaloo when the accident happened.

    No details have been released about the accident.

    Lake Tugalo is a 597-acre reservoir with 18 miles of shoreline in northeast Georgia in Habersham and Rabun counties, and also lies partially in Oconee County, South Carolina.

    "Chandler was a super friendly person with an incredible personality," the department said in a Facebook post. "He brought smiles to everyone around him with his laid back and caring demeanor. He will be missed dearly!"

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