Experienced Kayaker Drowns in Lake

STONE MOUNTAIN, Ga. (MyFOX Atlanta) - The family of an experienced kayaker, who drowned Friday at Stone Mountain Park, is talking about what they think happened the evening the 68-year-old went under water.

Kayaking is something Belton Dykes did every other day. It was a routine for him; he was experienced at it. Family members said Dykes was an experienced swimmer.

So you can imagine they're stunned, when they heard he drowned at Stone Mountain's lake.

Family members said Dykes died doing what he loved.

"He was at Stone Mountain every other day- doing four to 10 miles," said wife Mary Dykes.

Police said Dykes drowned in the lake at Stone Mountain Park when his kayak tipped over Friday.

"My guess was he had a stroke because they said when the boat tipped over he had started swimming back toward the dock. And all of a sudden he stopped swimming and just sank below the water," said Mary.

Dykes wife of 43-years said her husband started kayaking 20-years ago, made his kayak out of wood and knew what he was doing.

"Oh it was one of the loves of his life. It was a handmade strip wooden boat," she said.

Family members said the husband, father and grandfather was a kind, family man, and 1962 graduate of the Citadel where he was on the football team.

"Despite that he was a head knocking fullback and a strong man- he was very gentle, caring soul," said son, David Dykes.

"His competitiveness continued into his kayaking. He has several medals and awards for winning races down the Chattahoochee and the Savannah River," said Mary.

Belton's wife said if anyone can take something away from this, it would be to always kiss your spouse goodbye. She didn't do so on Friday because they were so busy.

She said she still has 43 years of sweet goodbyes to think back on.