Missing Sale Creek boater's body found

photo Rescue and emergency vehicles are parked at an impromptu command post on Burton Road on Thursday. Rescue workers searched near Sale Creek for a missing boater Thursday afternoon after two men were separated from their boat and only one made the swim back to shore.
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The body of a fisherman man who dove into the water Thursday at Sale Creek and didn't come up was found this morning, authorities said.

Martin King's body was recovered about 6:30 a.m. by the Sale Creek Volunteer Fire Department, according to Hamilton County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Janice Atkinson.

This afternoon, King's family released an email statement thanking the rescuers and the community for their concern and help.

The family said that "[g]oing fishing with his father Thursday was a highlight to his life."

King was fishing with his father, Ed King, when he jumped into the water to cool off.

"When he surfaced, he stated, 'I am in trouble,' and then went under the water. Ed then dove in after him to help, but could not reach him in time. Other boaters in the area came to assist, but it was too late," the statement said.

The family said King, single and with no children, loved being on the water.

"The water brought him peace and allowed him to continue through life," the statement said.

"We greatly appreciate Hamilton County Emergency Services and other agencies in giving of their time and resources to search for Martin. We aren't sure of who all was involved, but we do know of Sale Creek Volunteer Fire Department, Sequoyah Fire Department, and STARS. Thank you is not enough, but we are most appreciative of your time, talents, and resources."

The family said an autopsy is being performed and funeral arrangements will be announced later.

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