Galatia teen drowns at Bell Smith Springs

POPE COUNTY – Samuel Vinyard, a 17-year-old Galatia High School student, drowned Friday at Bell Smith Springs in Pope County. He would have been a junior this fall.

Rescuers searched the water for several hours before locating Vinyard's body in about 17 feet of water, authorities said.

A GoFundMe account has been set up to raise money for funeral expenses. Find it at www.gofundme.com/2qmkm8-every-little-bit-helps.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 18, in Sloan Funeral Home in Galatia. Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, at the funeral home.

Memorial donations are suggested to the family and can be left at the funeral home.