Remembering Gunner Batia

Friends and family are remembering 20-year-old Gunner Batia, the Vancleave man who was found dead on the beach in Biloxi Saturday morning. According to authorities, Gunner drowned while wade fishing.
Two-year-old little Hayden cries on the shore of the water where his father, Gunner Batia, was found dead Saturday. Authorities say the 20-year-old Vancleave man was wearing waders and accidently drowned. Gunner’s mother, Angie Hart, says her son died doing what he loves. “Gunner was an avid hunter. He was a fisherman. He loved the outdoors.”
Angie put her hand up to her son’s freshly painted initials, as friends and family helped hold one another together during a candle light vigil for Gunner in Biloxi Monday night. “I want to thank everybody for the support that they’ve given me so far. I cannot thank them enough,” said Hart.
The vigil was held at the pier near where Gunner was found. Authorities tell News 25 two women spotted a fishing pole in the water and found Gunner’s body on the other end. Angie says Gunner’s dad knew he went fishing that morning and rushed to the scene after hearing a body was found. “He came here looking for him and found his truck.”
A friend of Gunner’s found a flower floating in the water, perfectly untouched before the vigil. She says it could be a sign symbolizing his love for the outdoors. Gunner’s aunt, Tina Weaver, said “They had looked one minute and they looked another and it was there. So we know he’s here.”
Gunner’s cousin, Kane Wills, said, “Something about nature. That’s where he wanted to be was in the woods because that’s where he found his peace.”
Although Gunner’s life was cut short, he leaves the hearts of those who knew him hooked forever. “To see someone who was fishing and took their last breath fishing, the Coast just feels that and this community is amazing.”
“He was a good father, a good man, and a kid that would do anything to catch a fish.”
If you would like to donate to help out funeral expenses, Gunner’s family has a GoFundMe account set up at www.gofundme.com/funeral-services-for-gunner-batia. Friends tell News 25 a fishing tournament in memory of Gunner is also in the works.