Philip Malone Missing — Roswell, GA Man Found Dead in Lake Lanier; Authorities Continue to Review Cause of Death
Roswell, Georgia — The multi-day search for a missing Roswell resident ended in heartbreak after the body of Philip Malone, an 85-year-old man, was located inside a submerged vehicle in Lake Lanier, according to information released by authorities. Malone had been reported missing after failing to return home during a family visit over the Valentine’s Day weekend, prompting concern among relatives and local officials.
Investigators confirmed that Malone was last seen on Saturday, February 14, 2026, while visiting relatives near Emory University Hospital in Atlanta. When repeated attempts to reach him were unsuccessful and he did not arrive at his expected destination, his family contacted the Roswell Police Department to file a missing person report.
The search expanded beyond Roswell as law enforcement agencies reviewed possible travel routes and locations Malone may have visited after leaving the Atlanta area. The investigation took a tragic turn early Monday morning when a call was made to the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office after a boater observed what appeared to be a vehicle beneath the surface of the water near Tidwell Park, a well-known public access point along the lake.
Marine deputies were dispatched to the scene and confirmed that a vehicle was submerged in the area. Dive teams and emergency responders were deployed, and the car was later identified as belonging to Malone. Authorities stated that his body was discovered inside the vehicle, which was identified as a red Toyota Camry.
Officials noted that Malone was found fully clothed and that no visible injuries were immediately observed. According to investigators, the vehicle itself did not show clear evidence of a crash or impact. At the recovery site, law enforcement did not locate signs that would immediately indicate violence or third-party involvement.
At this stage of the investigation, authorities say there is no indication that a criminal act caused Malone’s death. However, officials have emphasized that the case remains open until a full medical and forensic review is completed. Investigators have not ruled out the possibility of an accidental incident or other circumstances and are continuing to examine how the vehicle entered the water.
The recovery operation, which included marine units and specialized dive personnel, was completed later that same day. Following the removal of the vehicle and the recovery of Malone’s remains, the case was referred to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for further examination. The agency has been asked to conduct an autopsy and determine both the official cause and manner of death.
Authorities explained that the autopsy will evaluate whether the death resulted from an accident, a medical emergency, or another factor. Toxicology testing is also expected to be conducted as part of the standard investigative process. Final results are anticipated later in the week, once laboratory analysis is completed.
The circumstances surrounding how Malone’s vehicle became submerged have raised questions among family members and residents across Roswell and the surrounding communities. Investigators are actively reconstructing Malone’s final movements and reviewing the timeline of events that occurred after he left the Atlanta area. Officials have declined to release details about his activities immediately before his disappearance, citing the sensitivity of the investigation and the need to protect its integrity.
In a public statement, Forsyth County officials described the recovery as a coordinated effort involving multiple agencies and emergency services. The sheriff’s office expressed condolences to Malone’s family and reiterated its commitment to providing clear answers once the investigation concludes.
News organizations, including CBS News, Patch, and WSOC‑TV, have reported on the incident as authorities continue their review.
Friends and neighbors in Roswell described Malone as a quiet, considerate, and dependable individual. Many expressed shock that his disappearance ended in such a tragic outcome, noting that it was highly unusual for him to be unreachable or to deviate from his normal routines. Community members have offered condolences to his family and shared messages of support as they wait for official findings.
Both the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office and the Roswell Police Department are asking anyone who may have seen Malone on February 14, 2026, or who may have observed his vehicle traveling toward the Lake Lanier area, to contact investigators. Authorities say even seemingly minor observations — including traffic sightings, parking activity, or brief interactions — could help clarify the sequence of events.
While no criminal investigation is currently underway, officials continue to review all available evidence connected to the missing person case and subsequent recovery. Their stated priority remains determining exactly what occurred during Malone’s final hours and ensuring that his family receives accurate and verified information.
As the community continues to grieve, the case highlights the challenges faced by investigators when deaths occur in large bodies of water and underscores the importance of rapid reporting and coordinated search efforts in missing person cases.
