Authorities have released new details following the tragic death of Tyrin Winkfield, 27, who was found submerged at the bottom of Lake Sinclair on Sunday morning after being reported missing by his wife.
According to Hancock County Coroner Dontrelle Andrews, Winkfield was discovered face down at the bottom of the lake near a boat ramp at approximately 9:00 a.m. His body was recovered just hours after his wife alerted authorities that he had not returned home.
Coroner Andrews said Winkfield had been living in Eatonton, but was born and raised in Hancock County, where many family members and friends continue to mourn his unexpected passing.
Authorities said Winkfield’s wife first became concerned when she realized he was not home sometime between 3:00 and 4:00 a.m. on Sunday. After several hours without hearing from him, she contacted the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m. to report him missing.
Around that same time, fishermen on Lake Sinclair noticed a white vehicle submerged beneath the water and immediately contacted the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, deputies requested assistance from the Baldwin County Public Safety Dive Team at approximately 7:15 a.m. to recover both the vehicle and anyone who might be inside.
The dive team arrived at the lake around 8:00 a.m. and quickly began search and recovery operations. By approximately 9:00 a.m., divers successfully recovered both the submerged vehicle and the body of Tyrin Winkfield.
Following the recovery, the Baldwin County Public Safety Dive Team expressed its condolences to Winkfield’s family in a heartfelt statement.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones affected by this tragic incident. We hope the recovery efforts provide a measure of closure during this incredibly difficult time.”
While investigators have confirmed Winkfield’s identity, many questions surrounding the incident remain unanswered.
Coroner Andrews stated that the circumstances leading to the vehicle entering the lake are still being investigated. At this time, officials have not released a cause or manner of death, emphasizing that the investigation remains active.
To assist in determining exactly what happened, Winkfield’s body has been transported to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Crime Lab in Atlanta, where an autopsy and additional forensic examinations will be conducted.
Authorities have not indicated whether foul play is suspected, and no further details have been released regarding the events leading up to the tragedy.
The heartbreaking discovery has deeply impacted both the Eatonton and Hancock County communities, where loved ones are remembering Tyrin Winkfield as a young man whose life ended far too soon. His sudden death has left family members and friends searching for answers while grieving an unimaginable loss.
As investigators continue their work, officials are asking anyone who may have information related to the incident to contact law enforcement. Additional details are expected to be released as the investigation progresses and forensic examinations are completed.
For now, the thoughts and prayers of the community remain with Tyrin Winkfield’s family and loved ones as they face the difficult days ahead while awaiting answers about the tragic events that unfolded at Lake Sinclair.
