HIXSON, TENN – Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) officers and local authorities responded to a 911 call around 1:15 p.m. EDT, July 26, on Chickamauga Reservoir, near Dogwood Drive.

Officers confirmed the report of a fifty-one-year-old man from Rock Spring, Georgia, who entered the water to retrieve a piece of the runabout boat’s swim platform that dislodged from the boat as it was underway. The man was not wearing a life jacket and did not resurface.

After extensive search efforts using Side Scanning Sonar and a Remote Operated Vehicle, the victim was recovered around 8:30 p.m. EDT, in approximately 15 to 18 feet of water. Local rescue units were of great support and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office’s equipment was instrumental in locating the victim.

This is the 16^th fatal boating incident in Tennessee this year. The incident remains under investigation and the name of the deceased will not be released until next of kin are notified.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving fish and wildlife species for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors. The Agency also maintains public safety through law enforcement and safety education on waterways.