HIAWASSEE, Ga. – A truck owned by Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds was recovered in Lake Chatuge this morning, Saturday, April 6, after being stolen by an unidentified subject. FYN obtained reports from multiple authorities stating an attempted ATM theft was involved in the incident.

Towns County Fire and Rescue Water Rescue Recovery Team responded to a request from Clay County Sheriff’s Office and North Carolina Highway Patrol to locate the vehicle in the vicinity of the Ledford’s Chapel Road portion of Lake Chatuge.

Towns County Divers Jeremy Parker and Jonathan Wilson, along with the dive team leader, Terry Parker, reponded to Clay County’s request for assistance. Recovery Diver Jeremy Parker entered Lake Chatuge, checking in and around the vehicle for victims. No victims were located. Wrecker cables were attached to the vehicle, and it was extracted from the water. The vehicle was discovered approximately 40 feet from the embankment in roughly 12 feet of water.

Georgia Bureau of Investigation is investigating the incident.