A 5-year-old boy died in Georgia after he “wandered” into a lake near his family’s vacation home, police said. 

A tragic incident occurred midday Tuesday near a residence on Stonecrest Circle in Hiawassee, situated along the shores of Lake Chatuge, as reported by the Towns County Sheriff’s Office.

“The investigation concluded that the child had been missing for approximately 10 minutes before apparently wandering into the lake, where a family member later discovered him,” stated the police. “The family was visiting from Cumming, GA, and staying at a rental home.”

When deputies arrived, “they found that the child had just been pulled from the lake,” the Towns County Sheriff’s Office continued. 

Boat ramps are seen along Lake Chatuge in northern Georgia. (Google Maps)

The death reportedly was ruled accidental. 

Lake Chatuge is described on Georgia’s tourism website as offering “nearly unsurpassed scenic beauty in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, attracting tourists and seasonal residents from across the nation.”

It said the lake has “132 miles of shoreline, perfect for boating, fishing, skiing, swimming, picnicking in secluded coves and camping.  

The child, who was visiting from the Atlanta area, was staying at a home along this road at Lake Chatuge, the Towns County Sheriff’s Office said. (Google Maps)

“There are many public boat ramps that offer easy access to all water sports. A swimming beach, playgrounds and numerous picnic tables are also provided at the Towns County Recreational Beach,” Georgia tourism officials also said. “Many of the campgrounds are located on the scenic lake shore, and other campgrounds offer more private settings.”