BUFORD —The drowning victim who fell in Lake Lanier early Sunday has been found.

The Hall County Sheriff’s Office identified the man this morning as Jacob Thomas, 28, of Atlanta.

“Thomas' body was recovered in close proximity of the docks in 48 feet of water,” said Hall County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Nicole Bailes.

Bailes said alcohol may have been a factor in the incident. She said Thomas lost his balance and witnesses reported he may have struck his head when he fell.

Authorities used sonar equipment this morning to search for his body in the area of the new docks at Sunset Cove on the south end of the lake.

Bailes said the Hall County Sheriff’s Office dive team spent Sunday searching for Thomas in an area of the lake about 50 feet deep. Divers from the Department of Natural Resources also participated in the search.

They called off the search Sunday afternoon and resumed today at 8:30 a.m.

Emergency officials received calls about the incident at 1:30 a.m. Sunday and Hall County Fire Services responded to the scene at Sunset Cove, officials said.

“Hall County fire made initial rescue attempts but was met with too many obstacles and the rescue became too dangerous,” Bailes said in an email.