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A 32-year-old Fayetteville man drowned in Tims Ford Lake Saturday, marking the first water-related death in Franklin County this year.

The victim was identified as Tate Mustin, according to Franklin County Sheriff’s Office reports.

Franklin County Emergency Management Agency reports said EMA, Sheriff’s Office and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency personnel responded to a report of a potential drowning at Tims Ford in the Awalt Road area at about 2:30 p.m. Saturday.   

With the use of sonar and divers searching the area, the victim’s body was recovered, reports said.

EMA Director Scott Smith said the search lasted until about 8 p.m. when divers were able to locate the body.

Barry Cross, TWRA outreach and communications coordinator, said the victim was swimming, and the death is not listed as being boating-related.

Smith said water recreationalists need to exercise caution.

“We ask that you keep this young man’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers due to this tragic event,” he said. “We encourage everyone to wear a life jacket because it could save your life.”