ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Authorities found the body of a 17-year-old boy in Lake Allatoona late Friday afternoon, 24 hours after his unoccupied boat was found circling in the water.

Just before 5 p.m. Friday, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said the body of Jackson Cole Croft was found.

Several types of sonar and divers were used in the search for the Woodstock teen.

>> WATCH THE 3 P.M. UPDATE FROM DNR BELOW:

Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services first responded to reports of the unmanned boat spinning in circles on the lake around 5:20 p.m. Thursday and were able to secure the vessel.

DNR spokesman Mark McKinnon said search efforts started around 5:30 p.m. Thursday. They were paused after dark and resumed Friday morning.

McKinnon said Croft was operating the boat, which he described as a bass boat around 16 feet long, and was the only one on the vessel.

McKinnon said it was his understanding that Croft was not wearing a life jacket.

McKinnon said it will take some time for investigators to learn what led to Croft going overboard. He said he didn’t have any information on whether there was an accident or a mechanical failure.

He said Croft’s body was recovered from an “unusual” part of the lake filled with sand and debris, and which dips as deep as 55 feet.

McKinnon called Croft’s death a “tragic incident,” and said it was clear from the outpouring of support from his family and his community that he was beloved.

This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First for updates.

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