LOWNDES COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) - A community is mourning the loss of a 17-year-old boy who died in Lowndes County.
Joshua Gardner drowned at a pool on Moody Air Force Base this weekend.
An overwhelming amount of love and support is flowing out as 17-year-old Joshua Gardner was found unresponsive less than 24 hours ago at a pool at Moody Air Force Base.
Lowndes County Coroner Austin Fiveash confirms that Gardner was pronounced dead at the South Georgia Medical Center, after staff spent a large amount of time attempting to revive him.
"The family as expected is completely devastated, reported that he was a good swimmer, he was in great health, he was a football player and why exactly he drowned, I'm not sure we'll ever know the completely answer to that," said Fiveash.
Gardner played the position of a defensive linebacker for Lowndes High School.
Moody Air Force Base officials say that all protocols had been followed from the time Gardner entered the base with the Trusted Travel Program, until he was found unresponsive. They too, are sending their support out to the family.
"You know when a tragedy like this happens, your thoughts instantly go to the family and those who were there at the scene last night and taking care of them as best we can and taking care of our family and the extended family, and the Moody Community," said Captain Jess Colby.
The Lowndes High School Football Team Facebook page shared their condolences saying, "Our thoughts and prayers go out to Josh Gardner's family in this tragic time. Another Viking lost too soon."
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (WTXL) - A 17-year-old male was found unresponsive at the Moody Air Force Base pool about 7 p.m. Sunday and was later pronounced dead at South Georgia Medical Center.
"The Moody family is deeply saddened by this tragedy," said Col. Jennifer Short, 23d Wing Commander. "I extend my deepest condolences and prayers to his family and loved ones during this heartbreaking time."
An investigation is ongoing. The base pool will remain closed until further notice.
