Tragedy Strikes on Rainbow Lake Trail: Hikers Lost to Drowning
A picturesque hike along Rainbow Lake Trail near Chattanooga, Tennessee, turned into a heartbreaking tragedy when two family members lost their lives in a drowning incident.
As evening descended on Sunday, the Signal Mountain Fire and Police Departments received an alarming call reporting two individuals trapped underwater. The situation unfolded approximately a mile into the trail where the hikers had been making their way towards a creek.
Heartbreaking Account from Witness
According to the lone female survivor who had been hiking alongside the victims, a woman attempting to cross the creek lost her footing and slipped into the water. Without hesitation, a man leaped into the raging current in a valiant attempt to save her. Tragically, both disappeared beneath the surface.
Rescue crews braved the challenging terrain and swiftly arrived at the scene. Despite their valiant efforts to revive the female victim, she succumbed to the relentless grip of the water. The man’s body was later recovered from the depths of the creek.
Victims Identified as Family Members
Authorities identified the deceased individuals as 23-year-old Greffania Merilus from Cohutta, Georgia, and 20-year-old Gullson Elve from Birchwood, Tennessee. While their exact relation was not immediately disclosed, it was evident that they belonged to the same extended family.
The cause of the drowning is still under investigation, with authorities exploring all possible factors that may have contributed to this devastating event.
As the community and loved ones grapple with the loss of these two young lives, tributes have poured in to honor their memory and extend support to their grieving families.
