Search for Missing Coach at Georgia Lake Suspended Indefinitely 3 Weeks After He Disappeared

Mar. 15, 2025

Gary Jones, who has been missing for three weeks.Photo:Gary L. Jones/Facebook

Gary L. Jones/Facebook

The search for a missing private school coach has been suspended indefinitely at the Georgia lake where his boat was found empty more than three weeks ago.

The search began for Jones and a second person, Joycelyn Nicole Wilson, after the 12-foot boat was found unmanned while circling near the Wallace Dam on Saturday, Feb. 8. Witnesses reportedly claimed to have seen a man and a woman on the boat beforehand.

Wilson, an instructor at Spelman College in Atlanta, wasfound deadthe next day, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) previously told PEOPLE.

Crews spent three weeks searching the water following Jones’ disappearance. Civilians, divers and cadaver dogs all assisted with the search, but to no avail, according to the reports.

Lake Oconee, where Gary Jones disappeared on Feb. 8.Google Maps

Google Maps

A childhood friend of Wilson’s has toldCBS affiliate WANFthat Jones and Wilson attended Clark Atlanta University together and had gotten engaged after reconnecting.

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Meanwhile, Sills said Wilson’s body was found with a fanny pack filled with cash and credit cards. A cell phone was also found in one of her hands, he added.

“We’ve extracted the data from her phone; however, it’s got a code on it,” Sills explained, adding, “We know pictures were taken at certain times, but we can’t see them.”

Joycelyn Nicole Wilson, who was found dead on Lake Oconee on Feb. 9.Spelman College

Spelman College

Still, Sills believes Jones’ body remains in Lake Oconee, despite search efforts. He said this is the longest drawing search he has participated in since joining law enforcement more than 50 years ago.

source: people.com