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Former DeKalb school board member killed in lake crash, daughter loses leg

Members of the DeKalb school system have issued statements since the tragic news, Sunday.

RANDOLPH COUNTY, Ala — Authorities say an Atlanta man has died and his daughter had her leg amputated during a crash on an Alabama lake.

NBC-affiliate WVTM reports that around 9 a.m. two personal watercraft collided on Lake Wedowee in Randolph County, Alabama. On one of the craft was a 53-year-old Atlanta man who ultimately died of his injuries.

The victim's 17-year-old daughter was on the other and survived but had her leg amputated in the collision. She was taken to a Georgia hospital for treatment.

A person acting as a spokesperson for the family released a statement Sunday afternoon and said the victim was former DeKalb County school board member Jim McMahan.

"We would like to thank you for your thoughts and prayers as our family goes through this horrible tragedy," she said. "We would appreciate healing prayers for our daughter as she recovers from her injuries. We thank you for respecting our privacy."

School Board Chair Michael Erwin has since reacted to the news as has Superintendent Stephen Green

“Mr. McMahan will truly be missed by our Board," Erwin wrote.  "Jim wanted to ensure our students excelled academically and that the school district upheld its fiscal responsibility to our stakeholders.  His commitment to the DeKalb County School District will never be forgotten. It has been an honor to work by his side.” 

“On behalf of DeKalb County School District, our hearts go out to Jim McMahan’s family and we will continue to keep the McMahan family in our thoughts and prayers," Superintendent Green added. "Jim’s commitment to the success and achievement of our students was exemplary. He will be greatly missed.”

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Marine Division is handling the investigation.

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