A young man providing lawn care services at a West Lake home drowned Wednesday after falling into a pool while blowing leaves, according to Columbia County authorities.
Keontae Alston, 22, of Hepzibah, was wearing a backpack yard blower, which contributed to the drowning, Coroner Vernon Collins said.
Alston was working at the mansion on Honors Way in Martinez when the tragedy occurred. He was wearing multiple layers of clothes and the blower on his back when he fell into the swimming pool. The homeowner and the victim’s co-worker, Milton Blount with The Manicurist Lawn Care, discovered the drowning victim and pulled him from the pool, removing his backpack yard blower, according to a sheriff’s report.
Life-saving measures were attempted until Gold Cross arrived, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Alston was part of a crew of workers at the house.
Alston was being mourned online by friends and family. Orlando Mays said, “Dang bro. I’m really tired of seeing my generation lose their lives. So many names I can put behind that RIP but this hit lil different. It’s so sad. Prayers up to mama Leeks.”
