Graduation Celebration Turns Tragic: 24-Year-Old University Graduate Dies in Alabama Lake

Found Dead After Disappearing Near Chimney Rock
Outpouring of Condolences from Friends and Alumni on Social Media

A man in his twenties who graduated from the University of Georgia died in an accident at a lake while on a graduation trip with friends.

On May 20, Yonhap News TV introduced the recent accident at a popular U.S. tourist spot, citing the New York Post and the Montgomery Advertiser.

The accident occurred on the 13th near the famous attraction "Chimney Rock" in Lake Martin, Alabama, USA. Barreto reportedly visited the area with friends to celebrate their graduation. Initial local reports stated that after Barreto jumped from Chimney Rock, which is about 60 feet (approximately 18 meters) high, he did not resurface. Chimney Rock is a well-known cliff attraction at Lake Martin, frequented by thrill-seeking visitors.

The accident occurred on the 13th near the famous landmark 'Chimney Rock' in Lake Martin, Alabama, USA. Photo by The New York Post

However, Bill Franklin, Sheriff of Elmore County, later corrected some details about the circumstances of the accident. According to the New York Post, Sheriff Franklin explained that Barreto did not jump from Chimney Rock, but rather sank underwater while swimming from a boat toward the rocks with his friends. The Montgomery Fire and Rescue and related agencies responded to the emergency call and conducted a search for several hours. The dive team found Barreto's body that night about 50 feet (approximately 15 meters) underwater in a rocky area below the surface. People magazine reported that the rescue team, together with several agencies, conducted a prolonged search, with six divers taking part.

Authorities have stated that no evidence of criminal activity has been found so far. Sheriff Franklin said, "It appears to be a tragic accident and there are no circumstances suggesting foul play," but added that the exact circumstances are still under investigation. Barreto's body was sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences to determine the precise cause of death. Barreto was from Columbus, Georgia, and majored in Management Information Systems and Psychology at the University of Georgia. The University of Georgia confirmed to local broadcaster WSB-TV that Barreto was a member of the class of 2025.

After news of the accident spread, friends and acquaintances expressed their condolences through online tributes. They remembered Barreto as "a light in the world" and "a friend who made college life more special," extending their sympathies to his family. The Montgomery Fire and Rescue stated, "Several agencies worked together to conduct the search under difficult conditions," and offered their deepest condolences to Barreto's family and friends.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.