On 06/30/2012 at approximately 10:40 a.m., vessel #1 was traveling on the nolichucky river along a.j. willis road in the embreeville area of washington county. Vessel #1 is an unregistered 12 ft sears jonboat with two motors attached, one homemade shindaiwa motor of unknown horsepower and a johnson seahorse 5.5 horsepower. Vessel #1 was occupied by the operator and occupant. Vessel #1 pulled up to the bank along a.j. willis road to pick up three additional passengers. Based on witness statements, after loading the vessel, the operator of vessel #1 started the motor and began to travel upstream. At this time, water started coming into the vessel over the bow. The vessel started to capsize and all five occupants bailed out. The juveniles on board were wearing personal flotation devices and made it safely to the bank. The adults on board were not wearing personal flotation devices. Passengers made it safely to the bank. The operator of vessel #1 was attempting to swim to the bank and started to struggle. Two life jackets were thrown into the water in an attempt to rescue Operator. Operator went under and did not resurface. At approximately 10:48 a.m., washington county 911 was notified. Emergency medical services and search and rescue divers responded to the scene and began searching for Operator. The body of Operator was recovered on 07/01/2012 at 6:10 p.m. in eight (8) feet of water  and approximately forty (40) yards from the accident site.
ERWIN                         