PRESS RELEASE — On Sunday, March 18, 2012 a 24-year-old Rome, Ga. man went swimming at the Martha’s Falls area of the Little River Canyon National Preserve. He and his friends attempted to swim across Little River. His friends saw him go under the water and he never surfaced. 

Rangers were notified at approximately 2:20 p.m. Members of Fisher Rescue Squad, Adamsburg Fire Department and Cherokee County Rescue Squad conducted a coordinated recovery effort. 

Divers from Fisher Rescue reached the water at approximately 4:18 p.m. and recovered Ramirez Austin at 4:48 p.m.  

“The professionalism of all the rescuers involved made this difficult recovery a safe and successful operation,” said Chief Ranger Chief Ranger Troy Mueller.