Tragedy Strikes: Acworth Man Found Dead in West Georgia Lake

The search for 78-year-old Ardell Kennedy, who went missing after leaving Acworth to visit his property in Haralson County, has ended in tragedy. Haralson County Sheriff’s Office deputies discovered his body in a west Georgia lake on Friday night, terming it a “tragic accident.” The heart-wrenching incident unfolded after family members reported him missing, setting off a chain of events that led to the grim discovery. Ardell Kennedy embarked on his journey from Acworth around 8:30 a.m. on Friday morning, heading towards his property in Haralson County. Concern arose when, by 8 p.m., he had not returned home. Worried family members decided to drive out to his property to investigate. Upon reaching the location, deputies found Kennedy’s truck but were unable to locate the elderly man. Notably, a tractor was missing from the property, deepening the mystery surrounding his disappearance.

Intensive Search Efforts

With growing concern and uncertainty, investigators, the Haralson County Fire Department, and the Georgia State Patrol, along with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Aviation Unit, were summoned to aid in the search for Ardell Kennedy. The situation took a more ominous turn when authorities discovered that Kennedy’s cell phone had been inactive since around noon, adding to the urgency of locating him. As the search extended into the night, hope waned, and the investigation intensified. The turning point came when, after hours of scouring the property, investigators stumbled upon the missing tractor near the edge of the lake. Recognizing the potential severity of the situation, the Carroll County Fire and Rescue Dive Team was called in to explore the waters.

The Tragic Discovery

In a devastating turn of events, divers from the Carroll County Fire and Rescue Dive Team located Ardell Kennedy’s lifeless body within the lake. The Haralson County Sheriff’s Office stated that the preliminary assessment points towards Kennedy’s death being the result of an accident. Sheriff Williams expressed his condolences and acknowledged the collective efforts of multiple agencies involved in the search.

Conclusion: A Community in Mourning

Sheriff Williams expressed the disappointment of not finding Mr. Kennedy alive, emphasizing that the community’s collective hope was to reunite him with his family. He extended gratitude to all the agencies and teams involved in the exhaustive search efforts, including the Haralson County Fire Department, DNR, GSP Aviation Unit, Carroll County Fire and Rescue Dive Team, and the Haralson County Coroner’s Office. As the Acworth community grapples with the tragic loss of Ardell Kennedy, thoughts and prayers are extended to his grieving family. The unfortunate incident serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community support during times of sorrow.