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Divers Recover Body Of Drowning Victim In Bluff Springs (With Photo Gallery)
May 4, 2011
Tuesday night, divers recovered the body of a Century man that drowned in a lake south of Century.
Friends and family members identified the man as Joseph “Jo Jo” Walter Kimmons, 47. Campers along the lake in a remote are near the Escambia River off Bluff Springs Road reported that Kimmons went under the water sometime before 5 p.m. but did not resurface. They told authorities that Kimmons was attempting to recover a small paddle boat that drifted away from the campsite when, for unknown reasons, he went below the surface. A bystander said he attempted unsuccessfully to save Kimmons.
Shortly after the drowning was reported, first responders from the Century Station of Escambia Fire Rescue searched as much of the wooded shoreline as possible, while a LifeFlight helicopter crew scanned the area from above. There was no sign of Kimmons.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office dive team used sonar to search the area of the lake where Kimmons was reported to have disappeared. As friends and family members comforted one another on the shore, divers were able to recover Kimmons’ body about 8:15 p.m. He was found in about 12 feet of water.
The drowning is under investigation by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies said preliminary information did not indicate foul play.
Escambia County EMS and Escambia Search and Rescue also responded to the call.
For a photo gallery from the search and recovery effort, click here.
Pictured: Authorities searched this lake near Bluff Springs for a drowning victim Tuesday evening. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Comments
29 Responses to “Divers Recover Body Of Drowning Victim In Bluff Springs (With Photo Gallery)”
jo jo is my brother and my life will never be the same with out him people that knew him knew he would do any thing 4 any one and he was loved very much by his family and his true friend so if u cant say any thing nice dont noone want 2 hear it and u need 2 thank god because it could have been some one u love u never know
praying for yours left without you; you sounded so wonderful.
Years back:
JoJo: You want a beer, John.
JEG: No thanks, I don’t drink
Others: Come on, be a man, have a beer
JoJo: The boy said he don’t drink. Leave him alone.
John Eric appreciated the offer as being well intended, appreciated the defense as respecting his decision not to drink.
Rest in peace, sorry for the loss to the family
David remembering
This is Russell Kimmons daughter from Georgia. Haven’t seen the family in a long time, but I remember Jo Jo and he was crazy and funny. My heart goes out to the family. Wish I would have got the chance to see him again. I love you all. R.I.P Jo Jo I love you.
my heart goes out to each & everyone of u & especially u JoJo i love u & u r going to be missed dearly..u were a wonderful man u would do anything 4 anybody rather u knew them or not.u have a heart of gold..true enough we all have made some mistakes & bad decisions in life but noone is perfect..so ppl need to check themselves be 4 they judge u…i love u with all my heart & soul..now u may R.I.P.
Jojo was a great person. If you ever needed help, he was always there. Never batted an eye at helping a friend of foe. I personally am going to miss Jojo because i considered him to be a dear friend of mine. If you really knew Jojo, you knew that he had the biggest heart of anyone and there was not a selfish bone in his body. Yeah, he made mistakes like everyone does but that is just life. Where he made a mistake, his kindness and gentle soul made up for it.
Miss ya much, JOJO.
I luv the kimmons family. They are a part of my family. Please keep all of them in your prayers. RIP JO JO .
We will miss you JoJo! you people need to stop being so heartless.JoJo was a good man and a good friend he would do anything to help anyone.Our prayers are with this family I have known all my life.We love you JoJo
h
Jo Jo was a crazy character!! He will be missed:( My prayers go out 2 u all!:)
rip jo jo we will miss you bluff springs won’t be the same without you
Go home jojo r.I.p.
Stop blaming people,if they want to go camping and drink,let them. They know the risks….accidents happen,its part of life. Rip Mr. Kimmons.
rip uncle jo jo u will be missed dearly. u was a crazy character but we loved u lots
Another one of the kin gone…BUCK GODWIN (MY DAD) THEN.AL (SHARON KIMMONS) THEN EARL NOW JOJO. just to name a few.
I have known all the Kimmons all my life and Im so sad for the loss of my friend jojo he was always there when someone needed a helping hand,may god be with each and everyone of his family members,yall will be in my prayers.
Have known Jo Jo my whole life. Will allways remember his friendship. He never said no if he was asked to lend a hand. Finally may you find peace.
We are so sad to here about JoJo’s accident. Mac and I love the Kimmons family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Tommy,Jan,Julie,Mandy and Angie. We love you all and had some great fun with JoJo and you guys back in the day.I am at such a loss of what to say to you. My heart is full of sadness.
So very sorry to hear of Jo Jo’s passing may he rest in peace ,love and blessings sent to his family ..
So sorry to hear this
Haven’t seen JoJo in years. Very sorry to hear this.prayers for the family.
So sorry for this loss.. praying for the Kimmons family!
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. -Matthew 5:4
this was my cousin. may he rest in peace
My thoughts and prayers go out to the victim’s friends and family. May GOD bless, and keep you.
So sorry to hear.. there’s so much sadness going on this week…….thoughts and prayers go out to his family
RIP IN JOE JOE
The victim was my cousin, “Jojo” Kimmons. Prayers is greatly appreciated!
sad to hear! R.I.P prayers for his family and friends!
rip jo jo
So sad Rest in Peace young man.