Crime & Safety
$22K+ Raised For Jet Skier Killed In Lake Lanier Near Buford
The 37-year-old man was test driving his jet ski on Lake Lanier, when he never returned from the water Saturday.
ROSWELL, GA — Nearly $23,000 has been raised for the family of a man who died Saturday afternoon while test driving his jet ski on Lake Lanier.
Walter Juarez Guardado, 37, reportedly jumped off of the jet ski near Buford Dam Road and did not return from the water.
According to the GoFundMe, Guardado's family and friends spent three days searching for him, but his body was not found until Monday afternoon.
Find out what's happening in Bufordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"Walter was a loving father of two daughters, Angie and Valentina. He was such an adventurous, athletic, and caring person. His family and friends meant the whole world to him," Eldi DePaz, Guardado's father, wrote in the GoFundMe.
The fundraiser has surpassed its initial goal of $22,000, being $10 shy of $23,000 as of around 11:30 a.m. Thursday. DePaz said the funding will help cover Guardado's funeral costs.
Find out what's happening in Bufordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"Thank you all who showed their love and support during this difficult time of our lives. May God bless you and your loved ones," DePaz wrote in the GoFundMe.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
