Hickory Log Creek Reservoir Drowning Victim Identified

The 17-year-old who drowned in the Hickory Log Creek Reservoir Wednesday afternoon has been identified by authorities.

According to the Canton Police Department, Jon Thomas Bettis of Canton drowned some time between 1:45 and 5 p.m. Thursday, after entering the reservoir from a bank that he and his friend were fishing from.

According to the police, Bettis' friend jumped in the water to try to save him, but had to swim the 30 feet back to shore to inform authorities.

The Canton Police Department, Canton Fire Department, Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services, and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources began an exhaustive search for Bettis, whose body was found by a Cherokee Dive Team at approximately 5 p.m.

Bettis' autopsy will be conducted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Medical Examiner's Office.