Prince family expresses thanks to emergency workers

BUFORD - Funeral arrangements are pending for the two Buford brothers who were killed in a boat crash June 18 on Lake Lanier.

Jake, 9, and Griffin, 13, were killed around 10:30 p.m. when their family pontoon boat was rammed by a fishing boat being operated by Paul J. Bennett, 44, of Cumming. Bennett faces boating under the influence charges in the crash.

Griffin Prince's body was not recovered until Wednesday evening this week.

While family members have asked for privacy during their ordeal, they have issued statements via a Facebook page. The following message was posted after divers recovered Griffin's body.

"All of our prayers have been answered. Yes, they did find our dear Griffin.

We would like to thank all the wonderful men and women who worked non-stop to find him. We know you were all as emotionally invested in the recovery effort as we have been. When we met with you this morning at the lake, we had a peaceful, good feeling that today would be the day.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Hall County Sheriff's Department Dive Team
Cobb County Police Dive Team
Forsyth County Fire Department Geological Information Services
Georgia State Patrol
Army Corps of Engineers
Hall County Fire Department Marine Units
FBI Dive Team
Hall County Sheriff's Department Support Staff
Suwanee City Police Department
FEMA Dogs & their Handlers
Unaffiliated Volunteers who offered their services
All the people and restaurants who brought food to the site to support and feed the staff

The last couple of hours have been a mixture of emotions: relief, gratitude, sadness, joy. Thank you all for your prayers, service, time and resources. We can never thank you enough.

With love,

Michael, Tara and Ryan"

Hamilton Mill Memorial Chapel and Gardens is handling funeral arrangements for the Prince brothers.

Link: Griffin and Jake Prince Memorial Page on Facebook