The father, who had been training for a triathlon, disappeared in a lake famous for a local legend that gives it a haunting reputation.

A Georgia man who vanished during a kayaking trip on Lake Lanier last week has been found dead, authorities confirmed. Dustin Valencia, 43, is survived by his wife, Jennifer Valencia, and their five children.

He was reported missing last Wednesday, May 14, after he failed to pick up his children from school, prompting concern from his wife. The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office said his vehicle was discovered near the lake, along with his flip-flops and a bag that typically held his inflatable kayak.

A search effort was launched, and by Friday, May 16, game wardens from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources used sonar technology to detect a body submerged in roughly 51 feet of water at the center of a cove. Divers from the Forsyth County Fire Department recovered the remains, which were later identified on Monday, May 19, as those of Valencia.

His kayak and paddle had been found earlier, drifting near the edge of the cove. Friends shared that Valencia had been training for a triathlon and was likely kayaking as part of his workout routine.

Officials noted that he was not wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident. One of the officials said, “Even strong swimmers can have a medical emergency or cramp. If that happens, and you’re not wearing a life jacket, you’re at serious risk.”

Still, an official cause of death has yet to be determined, and the incident remains under investigation by the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit.

Lake Lanier, where Valencia disappeared, is a man-made reservoir with depths reaching up to 160 feet and was constructed in the 1950s by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Beyond its recreational use, the lake is steeped in eerie local lore — most notably the tale of the Lady of the Lake, believed to be Susie Roberts, who died in a 1958 accident.

Dressed in white and often seen near the bridge where she perished, the ghostly figure is said to comb her hair by the water, fueling the lake’s haunted reputation.

Furthermore, between 1994 and 2018, Lake Lanier recorded 33 boating accidents, 145 drownings, and 57 boating-related fatalities. From 2015 to 2018 alone, there were 43 deaths, 128 boating incidents, and 214 cases involving boating under the influence.

As one of the region’s largest lakes, such high numbers aren’t entirely unexpected, but they’ve helped fuel its eerie reputation. Still, despite the chilling stories, there’s no concrete evidence that Lake Lanier is truly haunted.

Now, as the family of one of Lake Lanier’s latest victims awaits the official cause of death, they are receiving an outpouring of emotional and financial support from friends.

Among those mourning alongside them are Tara and Andrew Collins, who shared a heartfelt tribute to Valencia on Facebook, “He was a friend, a brother, a co-laborer in Christ, a devoted husband, and father of five children. Dustin was a constant, faithful, and comforting presence wherever he went, and we experienced that firsthand—from youth retreats to leading a middle school boys group and more.”

They went on to say that the student ministry, where Valencia’s four eldest children have played a key role, is especially affected by his passing.

The Collins family concluded, “Our hearts continue to break and cry out for the entire Valencia family as they face the long road ahead. We trust that the Lord will protect and provide for their needs. As a church family at The Vine, we grieve together and lift them in prayer. May the Lord have mercy during this unimaginable time.”

Sharon Ashby Christiansen also described the loss of Valencia as an unimaginable tragedy for a family that has been a source of inspiration in their community for more than a decade. She highlighted the family’s deep roots across various spaces, including their church, a hybrid homeschool program, their children’s activities, CrossFit community, neighborhood, extended family, and close friendships.

She reflected on her own 17-year friendship with the Valencias, which began when both families were newly married and part of a small group. Before any of them had children, they shared dreams, challenges, and life’s early milestones.

“It didn’t take long before we all saw the kind if character Dustin had. He was the easygoing type, full of love & pride for his wife and family, with an enormous amount of kindness, humility, and always generous with his time. The continued friendship over the years has always been a gift we have treasured,” Christiansen divulged.

Now, as the family face life without Valencia, she encouraged others to support them in every way possible. Though his absence will be deeply felt for years to come, she expressed hope that the care and love from their community can help ease the burden

While I may not understand why he was taken so soon, or the circumstances that surround this incredibly sad situation, we are reminded to Trust in God in times where we have no where else to turn,” noted Christiansen.

Others, like Andy Yeoh, have also shared fond memories of Valencia, remembering him as someone with a heart of gold and a gentle, sincere spirit when it came to worship. He recalled the meaningful moments they shared during their time at the University of Georgia, leading worship and going on mission trips together.

LeAnne Giles Kelly, who also met Valencia during their time at the University of Georgia, recalled how he quickly became part of their close-knit campus community, sharing meals, playing intramurals, and attending church together.

They served as leaders in Bulldog Christian Fellowship, where Valencia led worship and small groups with quiet strength and consistency. Kelly also shared the joy of witnessing his relationship with Jennifer blossom, even helping him look at engagement rings.

Though life took them in different directions, their bond always remained. Kelly remembers Valencia as a faithful, encouraging presence and expressed deep sorrow for Jen and their children.

Now, friends and loved ones have raised over $90,000 through GoFundMe and more than $45,000 via Meal Train. All contributions are intended to support the Valencia family with daily expenses, household bills, and long-term care for the children in the coming weeks and months.

The Valencia family feels the love and strength being shared with them and is deeply thankful for the outpouring of support from their surrounding community.