Gilmer County Teen Drowns While Duck Hunting On Lake Chatuge

Trenton Daniel Johnson was described as a proud Christian, outdoorsman and big brother to his two sisters. The 18-year-old recently drowned while duck hunting on Lake Chatuge.

A high-school senior from Ellijay drowned when he tumbled overboard while duck hunting on Lake Chatuge just across the Georgia-North Carolina border on Nov. 18.

Authorities said 18-year-old Trenton Daniel Johnson, a student at Gilmer High School, was attempting to retrieve a downed duck when he toppled headfirst into the water. His hunting partner, Carson Bentley, who was operating the boat, jumped into the water and attempted to get Johnson into a lifejacket, but his friend succumbed to the cold waters.

The drowning occurred off the shore of government land just north of the Georgia state line, authorities said. Clay County (North Carolina) deputies and a volunteer firefighter responded to the scene to try and assist. Several squirrel hunters also responded to cries for help. Rescuers could see Johnson’s boots suspended about 4 feet below the surface of the water. The water depth at this location was about 10 to 12 feet and around 40 to 50 feet away from the shoreline. 

Johnson was described as a proud Christian, outdoorsman and big brother to his two sisters. Trenton was a member of the Mountaintown Baptist Church, FFA, Gilmer Fishing Club and of the Gilmer High School Class of 2024.