Authorities located the body of a17-year-old boyin a Georgia Lake on Friday after he went missing the day before. Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Game Wardens locatedJackson Cole Croftjust before 4 p.m. ET on Friday, June 6 from Allatoona Lake, Georgia DNR Public Affairs Officer Mark McKinnon told USA TODAY. Croft was recovered shortly after, from 22 feet in the water, by local divers. Located in northwest Georgia, Allatoona Lake is about 35 miles north of Atlanta. Croft was reported missing on Thursday, June 5 after a boat he was on was found circling in the lake with no driver, McKinnonpreviously told USA TODAY. Croft and his family were avid members of the racing community in Woodstock, Georgia. The 17-year-old had recently begun driving racing carNo. 9 at the Dixie Speedwayin Woodstock, about 30 miles north of Atlanta. "This precious family has been a huge part of Dixie Speedway's history and dear friends for many years," Dixie Speedway Vice President Mia Green said in aFacebook poston June 6. "Jackson had been around racing his entire life with his dad, Jason Croft. He started his racing career this year and was on a path to make his mark in the industry." The Tri-County Racetrack in Brasstown, North Carolina also extended its condolences on social media. "The entire Tri-County Racetrack family is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jackson Croft, a vibrant young man whose life was tragically cut short," aFacebook postreads. "While words can never ease the pain, please know that your racing family stands with you in prayer, love, and support." Croft was also involved in Georgia's rodeo community, specifically throughRockN'5L Rodeo Company'sJr. Pro Division. To celebrate Croft's life, the rodeo company, located in Cedartown, Georgia, is hosting atributeto the late teen on Saturday, June 14. Attendees are encouraged to wear green, as Croft's favorite color was camo green. Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her atgcross@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Body of missing 17-year-old boy found in Georgia lake
