His mother said the last time she saw her son was Sunday morning before he left for Douglas Lake: "When he left, he said, 'I'm leaving Mom, I love you.'"
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Tenn — Editor's Note: The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency announced Tuesday that crews recovered David Simanca Molina's body.
A mother in mourning said she is grateful to East Tennessee first responders and the community for providing her family closure after her son's body was found days after his disappearance at Douglas Lake.
David Simanca Molina was boating on the lake Sunday when he entered the water. He did not resurface.
Luz Martin is Simanca's mother. She said she last saw her son Sunday morning before he left for Douglas Lake.
"When he left, he said, 'I'm leaving Mom, I love you,' and he gave me a kiss like he always did," Martin said. "I gave him a kiss back."
According to Martin, her son's co-workers invited him for a boat day at the lake. Martin said it was the first time he had hung out with the group.
"They told me that two people got in the water and only one got out," she said. "Nobody realized that my son was missing, that he was nowhere to be found."
Simanca is originally from Colombia and has called Knoxville home for nearly 10 years, graduating from Karns High School. Martin said Simanca was a confident swimmer who had been swimming since he was a young boy.
According to state wildlife officers, he disappeared in the Muddy Creek area of Douglas Lake, near Point 7, around an area that's approximately 80 feet deep. On Tuesday, crews said that's where volunteer divers found his body.
Martin said on Tuesday evening her anguish over her son's whereabouts came to an end:
"I am immensely grateful to every person who played a part in helping me find some peace.
Thank you to the rescuers, police officers, members of the media, my friends, my family, and the many people who, even without knowing me, offered their support.
I am especially thankful to each organization involved, for their dedication and unwavering commitment to finding my son. Your work was essential in bringing us closure.
I deeply appreciate the time, effort, and energy you invested in my son, David.
We know this search was difficult, but your persistence and compassion made all the difference.
Today, my son is in the arms of the Creator, embraced by His infinite love."
Martin started a fundraiser on GoFundMe to send her son's body back to Colombia, surrounded by his family and those who cared deeply for him.
"Please help me fulfill his final wish... so they can say their final goodbye and honor his memory one last time," she said.
If you would like to donate, you can visit this link.