Cobb County Police are investigating the death of a Kennesaw State University student who drowned while attempting to swim across the Chattahoochee River on Sept. 5.
Police reported that David Bush, a Marietta man and junior marketing major at KSU, was swimming in a portion of the river near Akers Mill Road in Atlanta when he became distressed and went under the water. Rescuers located his body two hours later at approximately 8 p.m.
Bush was swimming alone, and a passing kayaker reportedly attempted to rescue him before he disappeared beneath the water, according to officials for the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.
Bush turned 22 years old on Sept. 3, just two days before the incident.
His death is the third fatal incident to occur in the area in the past year, according to Ardrianna McLane, a spokeswoman for the National Parks Service.
“It is very easy to overestimate your swimming abilities in the river,” McLane said. “The water is cold, the current is swift, and the distance is farther than it appears.”
McLane added that alcohol was not a factor in Bush’s drowning, nor was it involved in the deaths of the previous two victims.
The National Parks Service is taking measures to reduce the number of swimming-related tragedies in the Chattahoochee River, including the institution of a Preventative Search and Rescue operation. This team of rangers and park staff increases awareness of life jacket compliance and proper fitting during peak holiday and weekend hours.
“Our thoughts and condolences go out to the families who have lost a loved one in the Chattahoochee River. Safety is our highest priority at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area,” said Bill Cox, superintendent for the recreation area, in a statement. “Educating, informing and enforcing safety regulations helps save lives.”
Dean of Students Michael Sanseviro also offered his condolences to Bush’s family and encouraged those in the KSU community affected by his loss to connect with Counseling and Psychological Services.
“I am deeply saddened whenever a life ends prematurely,” Sanseviro said in an email. “During these difficult times, I urge the Owl family to support each other and remember the value of the lives we share.”
