A Georgia grandmother has died after she jumped into a lake — despite not knowing how to swim — to try and rescue her drowning 13-year-old granddaughter, authorities and family said.
Stephanie Walker, 49, and her granddaughter, Makayla Prather, had been fishing together in West Point Lake on June 11 when the teen somehow ended up in the water and “became distressed,” news station WSB-TV reported.
Walker dove into the water to save the 13-year-old, but also began to struggle.
First responders who were summoned to the lake at 2 p.m. found the grandmother not breathing and rushed her to Well Star West Georgia Medical Center.
Prather’s body was recovered from the lake by divers at 7:30 p.m. after a five-hour multi-agency search.
Walker’s son, Rodrikeus Prather, wrote in a Facebook post that his mother rushed into the lake in a desperate bid to save his niece — despite not knowing how to swim.
In another post, Prather described his late mother as a “super hero.”
Walker’s daughter, Shawanda Prather, who is Makayla’s mom, also praised the “brave” 49-year-old for doing all she could to try and save her granddaughter.
Walker spent a week on life support before succumbing to her injuries on Friday, WSB-TV reported.
What do you think? Post a comment.
Makayla is survived by her mother, stepfather and three siblings.
Impeachment Talks Resurface: Where Donald Trump Stands in 2026
Renewed calls to impeach Donald Trump have surfaced in Congress, marking discussions of a potential third impeachment after his two historic impeachments in 2019 and 2021, both of which ended in Senate acquittals. While some lawmakers have introduced new impeachment resolutions…
ICE Agents in Local Communities: Enforcement, Resistance, and Rising Tensions
ICE agents have become more visible in local communities as part of expanded federal immigration enforcement, conducting arrests and operations in neighborhoods and public spaces. Their presence has sparked concern among residents and advocacy groups who say it creates fear, erodes…
DC Makes History: Capital City Breaks Guinness World Record for Most Couples Kissing Under the Mistletoe
Washington, DC added an unexpected title to its history books this week — breaking the Guinness World Record for the most couples kissing simultaneously under the mistletoe. What started as a bold and festive idea quickly turned into a citywide celebration…
It's Tea ☕️ Tyme 