CORDELE, Ga. (WALB) — Crisp County Sheriff Billy Hancock addressed misinformation circulating about the investigation into the drowning of a 19-year-old man at Lake Blackshear over the weekend.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: ‘I know he didn’t jump in the water’: Family reacts after a 19-year-old drowns at Lake Blackshear

Sheriff Hancock said nearly 30 first responders arrived at Lake Blackshear Saturday, Aug. 1, within minutes of the call that came in at 3:03 p.m. that afternoon. He said that the Sumter County Dive Team was able to use AI Sonar that ultimately led to the recovery of 19-year-old Darian Taylor.

The sheriff confirmed that the case is not being investigated as a foul play incident. Even after no visible signs of injury, according to the sheriff, there is still a call for eyewitnesses.

“We want the individuals that saw it from the very beginning. At this point, we have found nobody that saw anybody pushed, any towels or any shoes left on the dock,” he said. “We have determined that the two boys were jumping together. One unfortunately was not as experienced as the other one.”

Since the investigation began, accusations and claims against those involved in the investigation have circulated on social media.

“I understand the anger. I get it, but I want it funneled in the right way. I’ve been here a long time. They can say what they want about me and make all the accusations. At the end of the day, I know where I stand, and I know what this agency has done, and I’m proud of this agency,” Sheriff Billy Hancock said.

Sheriff Hancock said that his office remains committed to transparency while respecting the integrity of this investigation. He said once the investigation is officially complete, all of the records will be available through the Georgia open records process for anyone who wants to obtain them.

Watch the full interview with Sheriff Billy Hancock:

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