Names Released of Lanier Boating Collision Victims

Authorities have released the names of the victims from Monday's fatal boating accident on nearby Lake Lanier, according to the Wildlife Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

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The children’s father, Michael Prince, was driving the pontoon boat. The Prince family reportedly is from Gwinnett County.

Paul Bennett, 44, of Cumming, has been arrested and released on bond in connection with the crash. He faces boating under the influence charges, and other charges are possible. Bennett operated a hair salon in Johns Creek.

The Prince family owns and operates The Grass Shack, and boat retailer and storage facility in Buford, according to Internet research. "When you buy a boat from Grass Shack you will deal with the owner Mike Prince personally or one of his sons," the Web site reads.

Four families -- 13 people in all, with nine children -- were on the pontoon boat when the crash occurred around 10:30 p.m., officials said. Bennett fled after the crash and was arrested later, authorities said.

The investigation is ongoing and includes the DNR’s Critical Incident Reconstruction Team and divers from agencies including Forsyth, Hall and Gwinnett counties, as well as DNR’s side-scan sonar, a device used to find and identify objects underwater.

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