GAINESVILLE - Hall County authorities have confirmed the body discovered in a cove on the south end of Lake Lanier Sunday night is that of Kelly Nash of Buford.<br />
<br />
Hall County Sheriff's Deputy Nicole Bailes said Monday afternoon that Nash's identity had been confirmed by the State Crime Lab in Dekalb County. <br />
<br />
"He was identified specifically on the clothing he had remaining on him from when he originally went missing in Gwinnett County, which were pajamas and a dark colored pullover," said Bailes. "He was also identified by a tattoo that was on his back that stated 'NASH,' the last name of Nash."<br />
<br />
The 25-year-old Nash was last seen the night of January 5 at his Buford home. Bailes said the original police report stated that a firearm was missing from Nash's home at the time of his disappearance. "I reviewed Gwinnett County's report and they did indicate there was a handgun missing from the residence, and to my knowledge, that has not been located by either agency," Bailes said.<br />
<br />
His body was discovered Sunday early Sunday evening in a cove of Lake Lanier in the Shadburn Ferry Road area near the Hall-Gwinnett County line.<br />
<br />
Bailes said authorities are withholding the cause of death until further tests are completed. Bailes said those results should be released in a few days.<br />