Authorities discovered the remains of a Spelman College educator who was last seen alive on February 8, while the search for her fiancé continues, according to reports and family members.
Jocelyn Wilson was spotted on a small fishing vessel on Lake Oconee alongside her fiancé, Gary Jones, as reported by television outlets WAGA-TV and WXIA-TV.
The couple vanished while celebrating Jones’ 50th birthday, as per WAGA-TV’s report. Investigators indicated that they checked into a hotel at Lake Oconee before heading out onto the lake, where boaters later found their empty boat approximately two hours later.
At around 5:30 p.m. on February 8, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources was alerted about the missing pair, confirmed a spokesperson to USA TODAY. Search efforts commenced later that same day.
Wilson’s body was recovered from the lake on February 9, as reported by WAGA-TV. Investigators also located Jones’ shoes, a hotel room key card, his wallet, and his driver’s license.
Participating in the search efforts are the Putnam County Georgia Sheriff’s Office and the Law Enforcement Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
On February 14, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources revealed that game wardens were searching for Jones using SONAR technology and aerial support. The agency also mentioned conducting surface and shoreline searches while deploying a K-9 unit to comb the woods and shoreline.
The department announced Tuesday that the Georgia State Patrol dive team was joining the search efforts.
On Thursday evening, the agency indicated that residents should anticipate ongoing patrols and aerial activity in the area.
“Throughout this search, our dedicated personnel have faced cold temperatures, rain, and other challenging conditions, showing unwavering commitment to bringing closure to Mr. Jones’ family,” stated the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Wilson was an instructor at Spelman; Jones is a middle school science teacher
Wilson began her teaching career at Spelman College in 2007 and most recently held the position of senior instructor within the college’s math department. Previously, she taught at Howard University and American University in Washington, D.C., according to Spelman’s website.
Jones is employed at Westminster Schools, which caters to students from pre-first through 12th grade. He has been a part of the school since 2002, as confirmed by a representative to USA TODAY on Friday. He teaches middle school science, serves as the head of the track and field program, and is the head coach for Westminster’s eighth-grade boys basketball team.
Jones’ family expressed gratitude for the support they have received.
“This has been an incredibly difficult experience for our family, but we are not going to rest until he is found,” they stated in a message sent to USA TODAY through his employer. “We are actively following all developing leads. However, our primary concern right now is the comprehensive search effort both in water and on land.”
As the search for Jones continues, support has emerged from former students and other community members, according to WAGA-TV.
Lauren Cherry, who knows him well, remarked that he was “like a father figure to everyone.”
“He would have been the first one out here looking for any of us if he found out we were missing,” Cherry shared with WAGA-TV. “I believe it’s crucial for us to come back and do the same for him.”
Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY’s NOW team, originally from Norfolk, Virginia. – You can reach her at [email protected].
