Funeral services were held on Tuesday for two young brothers killed in a deadly boating accident on Lake Lanier. Police say 13-year-old Griffin Prince and his 9-year-old brother, Jake, were killed when an alleged drunk boater plowed into their family's pontoon boat.
Hundreds of people gathered at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Suwanee for the emotional services. The funeral came two weeks after the deadly accident.
Investigators say the boys, their parents, and older brother were among 13 people aboard the pontoon boat on that night. Paul Bennett, 44, is accused of crashing his fishing boat into the family's vessel and then leaving the scene. He was found at a nearby marina hours after the crash. Authorities charged Bennett with boating under the influence.
Jake's body was recovered immediately after the crash, but it took Hall County divers nine days to find Griffin's body. They used side-scan sonar to comb the depths of the lake, and worked in conjunction with the FBI to recover his body last week in 113 feet of water.
The divers and other members of law enforcement who took part in the search for Griffin were among those gathered at the church to honor the two brothers and comfort their family during such a difficult time.
"We're blessed to have a group of professionals that do this, but at the same time we are people and we hurt for the family. We have kept them in our thoughts and prayers," said Hall County Sheriff Steve Cronic.
Family friend Jennifer Leifson said that during the days after the boat crash and search for Griffin, his parents often spoke of the recovery team determined to bring their son home...
"The topic of discussion time and time again, has been their appreciation. Even when the search was continuing on for Griffin, just their prayers, just their deep appreciation for the sacrifices that those men and women made to return their sons to them," said Leifson.
During the service the presiding bishop asked members of law enforcement to stand and be recognized for their tireless work in the days following the crash.
A family friend shared special memories of the siblings during the service. Both were active in their church and the scouts. Jake was remembered as a child who lit up a room, loved to talk and tell jokes, had a passion for trains, cars, bikes and video games.
His big brother Griffin was remembered as a sweet child with a quiet demeanor -- a shy boy with a quick wit and a loving heart.
The boys' grandfather told the congregation that he doesn't despair because he will always remember the wonderful experiences they share as a family and takes comfort in knowing they will one day be together again in Heaven.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:42 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:42:12 GMT
The NAACP is holding an information session about its planned gun buy-back program at 6 p.m. at a northwest Atlanta church as part of ongoing efforts to cut back on gun-related violence in the community.
The NAACP is holding an information session about its planned gun buy-back program at 6 p.m. at a northwest Atlanta church as part of ongoing efforts to cut back on gun-related violence in the community.
Friends and family members joined law enforcement officials to honor Griffin and Jake Prince on Tuesday afternoon.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday for two young brothers killed in a deadly boating accident on Lake Lanier.
