Missing Duck Hunter Found Dead 2 Days After Kayak Capsized on Alabama Lake: 'We Love You'
"The world is a better place because you were in it," read one tribute to Brooks Hardie, 22
Snead State Community College
Brooks HardieThe body of a missing Georgia duck hunter was found early Monday morning after his kayak capsized in Alabama over the weekend, authorities said.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) confirmed in an email to PEOPLE that the body of 22-year-old drowning victim, Brooks Hardie, was located and recovered in the water near the Goose Pond Resort on Lake Guntersville at approximately 3:30 a.m.
Authorities said that Hardie was duck hunting Saturday morning when his kayak capsized, causing him “to go beneath the water and never resurface.”
An investigation is ongoing.
Related: ‘Passionate' and 'Genuine' Student, 24, Dies in 'Unfortunate' Duck-Hunting Incident
Hardie hailed from Bremen, Georgia, ABC affiliate WSB reported. According to the outlet, he graduated from Bremen High School and played for the school’s football and baseball teams.
Davis Russel, a football coach for Bremen High, paid tribute to Hardie on social media.
“Your teammates, classmates, friends, coaches, and teachers are hurting," the coach wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. "We all hurt right now, but we appreciate you Brooks Hardie because you made us all better. The world is a better place because you were in it. We love you."
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Bremen City Schools also mourned Hardie’s death.
“Bremen City Schools mourns the loss of 2021 Graduate Brooks Edmund Hardie," they shared in a statement on Facebook. "Please pray for Brooks’ family and friends during this very difficult time.”
Snead State Community College
Brooks HardieAfter high school, Hardie played baseball for Snead State Community College in Boaz, Alabama, according to AL.com. He graduated this past spring.
“He was the true definition of Snead State Baseball,” Snead State athletic director and head baseball coach Casey Underwood wrote in a statement posted by the school. “He cared more about the guy to his right and left than he did himself. He wanted nothing more than to make the guys next to him much better.”
“We are devastated to hear about the tragic incident," Snead State Baseball wrote in a separate statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and teammates during this difficult time.”
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