Gran dies days after heroically trying to save drowning granddaughter in a double tragedy

Stephanie Walker, 49, bravely jumped into West Point Lake in Georgia to save her granddaughter Makayla Prather, who was distraught while swimming in the lake

A grandma died just days after heroically trying to save her drowning 13-year-old granddaughter.

Stephanie Walker, 49, bravely jumped into West Point Lake Georgia to Makayla Prather became distraught as she swam in the water.

When the grandmother tried to save Makayla who was struggling in the water, Stephanie panicked and became desperate trying to save the 13-year-old.

According to local reports, on June 11, Stephanie was found unresponsive and not breathing by local authorities.

She unfortunately never recovered after the incident as she spent a week in the hospital and died on June 18th.

Her granddaughter, who tragically drowned, was found by local search teams.

Troup County Deputy Sheriff Stewart Smith said in a statement to LaGrange News, “We believe one of the victims entered the water from shore and became distressed.

“And the second victim went into the water to help them and became desperate himself.”

“There were no eyewitnesses to the incident.

“Our caller, who had been with the two prior to the event, had just returned to the scene when he found the adult victim in the water.”

According to local media reports, the Troup County Sheriff’s Office was notified at 2 p.m. on June 11 and police were dispatched to the lake, where they found the grandmother was unresponsive.

The 49-year-old was transferred to Well Star West Georgia Medical Center but died a week after the accident.

The rescue team looking for Makayla could not find her by evening.

Rodrikeus Prather, Stephanie’s son, organized one fundraiser To raise funds for her funeral, he wrote: “A tragic drowning occurred at West Point Lake on Saturday.

“My mother Stephanie Walker, a heroine, jumped into the lake trying to save my niece. Sadly my mother died this morning while fighting on life support and she is at peace, we ask that you keep us in prayer as we get through this tragic moment.

“We are reaching out to our families, friends and loved ones to help with the funeral expenses for Stephanie Walker, the grandmother of my niece Makayla Prather.

“We appreciate and thank you for all your donations and prayers.”