Clarks Hill drowning victim identified as Augusta firefighter

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The Augusta Fire Department confirms the body of Lt. Ralph Jenkins has been recovered earlier this afternoon.

We’re told he jumped in the lake to save a woman who fell off a boat and never resurfaced.

Details remain limited at this time but the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources say this happened at the Lake Springs Recreation Area.

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River Road has been closed as crews can be seen working out of a dock in the area.

The Augusta Fire Department released this statement to News 12:

The Department is confident the Columbia County Fire Department, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies did their best to try to save Lt. Jenkins. “On behalf of the entire Augusta firefighting community, I am disheartened to report this crushing loss of one of our own,” said Interim Fire Chief Shaw Williams, Jr. “Lt. Jenkins came from a firefighting family, was known in the Department as a person who could be counted on for a good laugh, and served the people of Augusta, Georgia for 40 years.” For now, the Department and its firefighters will grieve this tremendous loss.

Check back for updates.