Authorities recover Eller’s body from Lake Chatuge

By Charles Duncan

The Towns County Water Rescue Recovery Team recovered the body of a 22-year-old North Carolina man from Lake Chatuge on Wednesday.

Brandon Eller, 22, of Hayesville, was last seen alive in the parking lot of Hawg Wild BBQ, his place of employment, at 5:50 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 14, according to the Towns County Sheriff’s Office.

The discovery of Eller’s body in Lake Chatuge was made Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 16, at approximately 2:30 p.m., Towns County Fire Chief and Coroner Harold Copeland said.

The Towns County Water Rescue Recovery Team recovered Eller’s body from Lake Chatuge in 12 to 15 feet of water, Chief Copeland said.

Chief Copeland, also Towns County coroner, added that Eller’s body was sent to the State Medical Examiner for autopsy, to determine cause of death.

Formerly the Chophouse Restaurant, Hawg Wild BBQ is located adjacent to Lake Chatuge Lodge.

Video surveillance at the restaurant placed Eller walking behind the restaurant toward the wooded area that leads to Lake Chatuge, his sister Elizabeth Dills posted on Facebook.

“The security cameras at work captured an image of him heading from his work down to the lake behind it,” she said. “He didn't clock out, he didn't say he was leaving, only that he didn't feel well. His car (was) still at his work.”

Foul play isn’t suspected, according to the Towns County Sheriff’s Office.

“At this point, foul play is not suspected,” according to a Facebook post by Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton. However, “the case is active and ongoing, pending the medical exam and further investigation.”

Towns County’s Water Rescue Recovery Team, Towns County Sheriff’s Office deputies, Georgia Bureau of Investigation special agents, a Georgia State Patrol Aviation Unit, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, K-9 units from Cherokee and Fannin counties, Citizens Law Enforcement Academy volunteers, and other volunteers assisted in the search for Eller, Chief Copeland said

Eller is survived by his mother Judy Ledford, and six brothers and sisters.

“Our hearts are breaking,” his sister Elizabeth Dills said.

Brandon’s sister Jessica Dills said she now had “a big hole in my heart.”

“I was blessed to have him as my brother,” Jessica wrote on Facebook. “This young man was so grounded, caring, smart, and responsible. He loved cooking and hiking.

“He wanted to be in law enforcement,” she said. “He carried his Bible around with him always. He was there for anyone and would listen and try to help people. I can only hope God accepts me, so that I can see him again. I know (Brandon) will watch over us.”