West Point Lake, GA — A heartbreaking tragedy has struck the community as Larenz Collins, a young man from Stockbridge, Georgia, lost his life in a fatal drowning incident at West Point Lake on Tuesday evening, July 1st, 2025. Authorities and loved ones have confirmed that the 24-year-old was enjoying a swim when disaster struck.
According to reports from local officials, Collins had been at the lake with friends during the early evening hours when he decided to go for a swim. Witnesses say that at one point, Collins appeared to struggle in the water and soon vanished beneath the surface. Immediate attempts were made to locate and rescue him, but they were unsuccessful. Emergency responders were quickly dispatched to the scene, launching a coordinated search and recovery effort.
Tragically, Larenz’s body was recovered later that evening, bringing a wave of sorrow to all who knew him. Authorities have not indicated any signs of foul play and believe the drowning to be a tragic accident. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictable dangers associated with swimming in open waters, even for those who are confident swimmers.
Larenz Collins was remembered by friends and family as a vibrant, compassionate, and driven young man with a bright future. Those closest to him describe him as someone who brought light and laughter into every room he entered. He was deeply loved by his family and widely respected in his community for his kind heart, hardworking spirit, and unwavering loyalty to his friends.
“He had a smile that could change your whole day,” said one of his close friends in a social media tribute. “Larenz wasn’t just a friend; he was like a brother to us. He always showed up when we needed him.”
His unexpected death has left a deep void in the hearts of all who knew him. Community members have begun organizing vigils and memorials to honor his life, and several online fundraising efforts have been launched to support his family with funeral expenses.
Local officials are also urging the public to take extra precautions while swimming at lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water, especially during the busy summer months. The tragic loss of Larenz Collins underscores the importance of water safety and awareness, even in familiar or seemingly calm waters.
As news of the incident continues to spread, condolences have poured in from across Georgia and beyond. Larenz’s memory will be cherished by those who knew him best—not only for the life he lived, but for the joy, courage, and warmth he shared with the world.
In the coming days, the Collins family is expected to release details about funeral arrangements and public memorials. For now, they are asking for privacy as they grieve the loss of their beloved son, brother, and friend.
May Larenz Collins rest in peace, and may his story serve as both a tribute to his life and a call to greater care and vigilance on the water.
