LEESBURG, Fla. — Authorities have identified the man found dead in Lake Harris on Friday evening as Tommy Griffin, a Leesburg resident whose loss has left family and friends heartbroken.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) confirmed that Griffin, who had taken a jon boat out Thursday evening, was discovered after a day-long search effort near Singletary Park on South 14th Street. Around 9 a.m. Friday, an unattended boat was reported, prompting FWC and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office to begin an extensive search of the area.
According to FWC Officer Chad Weber, the search concluded around 7:30 p.m. when the Sheriff’s Office helicopter, Eagle One, located Griffin’s body. The exact cause of death remains under investigation, pending the results of the Medical Examiner’s Office.
Friends and loved ones have been sharing tributes on social media, remembering Griffin for his humor, kindness, and love of the outdoors. One childhood friend recalled countless days fishing together across Central Florida, writing, “The endless amount of largemouth bass Tommy and I caught growing up will never be forgotten. May you rest in paradise, my friend.”
Griffin’s death is being investigated by FWC, which has not yet released further details.