Tyrin Winkfield, 27, of Eatonton, Georgia, was found dead at the bottom of Lake Sinclair after fishermen reported seeing a submerged vehicle in the water, according to the Hancock County Coroner’s Office.
Hancock County Coroner Dontrelle Andrews said Winkfield was found face down near the boat ramp on Saturday morning. Authorities said he had been reported missing by his wife earlier that morning after she noticed he was not home.
According to officials, Winkfield’s wife realized he was missing around 3 or 4 a.m. and later contacted the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office around 7 or 8 a.m.
Around the same time, fishermen spotted a white vehicle submerged in Lake Sinclair and contacted the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office. The Baldwin County Public Safety Dive Team was called to assist with the recovery effort.
The dive team said crews arrived around 8 a.m. and recovered both the vehicle and Winkfield’s body around 9 a.m.
Winkfield was living in Eatonton at the time of his death but was born and raised in Hancock County. His unexpected passing has left family, friends, and loved ones searching for answers as they remember his life.
The Baldwin County Public Safety Dive Team shared condolences with Winkfield’s family and loved ones, saying they hoped the recovery efforts would provide some measure of closure during the difficult time.
Coroner Andrews said Winkfield’s death remains under investigation. A cause of death has not been released, and his body has been sent to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Crime Lab in Atlanta for further examination.
