December 5, 2013
The body of 16-year-old Gordon Gray Godwin of Homewood was recovered shortly after 2:30 p.m. this past Friday, November 29th on Lake Martin in Coosa County by divers from the Tallapoosa County Rescue squad. Alabama Marine Police officers believe that Godwin died shortly after his 13-foot Coleman canoe capsized in the frigid waters of Lake Martin near the Johnson Creek Road boat ramp in Oakachoy Creek. Godwin’s family had reported him missing on Thanksgiving Day after Godwin had failed to return from a duck hunting trip. Personnel from the Alabama Marine Police, Coosa County Sheriff’s Department, Tallapoosa County Rescue Squad, Alabama State Troopers’ Highway Patrol and Aviation Units, Elmore County Sheriff’s Department and Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries responded to search for Godwin. The search was suspended Thanksgiving night due to deteriorating weather conditions. It resumed Friday morning around 6:30 a.m.
Searchers found and recovered Godwin’s sunken canoe around 11:20 a.m. on Friday. Shortly after that Godwin’s shotgun was found and recovered. Searchers located Godwin’s body on sonar around 2:30 p.m. and the recovery was made at approximately 2:45 p.m.
Marine Police Officers believe Godwin’s canoe capsized and he attempted to swim to safety. Officers also believe the cold water temperature and heavy hunting clothing were factors. Godwin was not wearing a personal flotation device.
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