Body Found in Lake Guntersville Identified

By B.A. Little, Reporter • beverlyannette@southerntorch.com

MARSHALL COUNTY, Ala. — Earlier this week, the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office identified a body found below the Guntersville Dam on Monday, February 17 as Mr. George E. Koontz of Chattanooga, Tenn.

On January 29, witnesses saw a person jump from the Walnut St. Bridge in downtown Chattanooga. The description matched that of Mr. Koontz. 

The family of Mr. Koontz reported him missing on February 17. 

It is believed that due to heavy rains the past few weeks and the fact that flood gates have remained open along the Tennessee River, enabled the body to travel from Chattanooga to Guntersville, a total of 19 days and 122 miles by way of the river. 

Agencies involved in the investigation were the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, TVA Police, Guntersville Rescue Squad, Chattanooga PD and the Marshall County Coroner Office.