Loved ones are struggling to come to come to terms with the death of a beloved Georgia man allegedly killed by his elderly father during a fishing tournament.
Wayne Eaton, 85, is accused in the fatal shooting of his son, 60-year-old Troy Eaton, at the family's Covington, Georgia, fishing property, according to police.
Eaton has been charged with malice murder, jail records show. It's unclear if he entered a plea to the charge.
"I don't know how to process it," Troy's daughter, Heather, told WAGA-TV. "Like at times, I just feel numb, like it's not even real. But it is real."
Troy, an avid fisherman and beloved family man, was killed in front of dozens of bystanders during a weekly fishing tournament at Lakeview Drive Tournament Lakes Friday, according to police.
Witnesses alleged Eaton walked out of his home, approached the bait shop near the water, and fired on his son.
A motive has not been disclosed.
"This has affected more than just us. This has affected everyone around here," Troy's grandson, Ethan Sanders said, according to WSB-TV.
Family said Troy was supposed to get married next month.
Now, instead of attending his nuptials, they will be paying their respects at his funeral.
"Troy Eaton was my daddy, but he was so much more than that," Troy's daughter, Tiffany Eaton, wrote on Facebook over the weekend. "He was Papa Troy, a mentor and the best friend anyone could ask for. This man was the kindest, most genuinely decent man I've ever known. He would give until he had nothing left to give."
"He was as fair as the word can get and he loved with his whole heart. He was always such a busy Papa, but he never failed to show up for his grandchildren. He loved not only his family and his lakes, but he loved his community as well. Words cannot describe the pain or how utterly heartbroken anyone is that ever knew him. I keep telling myself that this is just the worst nightmare I could have, but then I don't wake up from it."
She continued, "I love you so much and I pray for the strength to be able to accept that God has such greater plans for you. We love you, Papa Troy."
