On Sunday September 2, 2012 at approximately 8pm, two vessels collided in Sugar Creek on the Hiwassee River which is part of Chickamauga Lake.  Operator1 was operating a 20ft 1995 Norris Craft bass boat, hereafter known as V1, in a southerly direction.  Operator2 was operating a 21ft 2207 Supra wakeboard boat, hereafter known as V2, in a northerly direction.  Statements from occupants onboard V2 stated they were heading out of Sugar Creek towards Hwy 58 bridge, so they could get under the bridge and wait out a severe thunderstorm.  They saw V1 coming south in Sugar Creek near the bank of the Hwy 58 causeway.  At approximately 100 yards, they state that V1 veered in front of them causing them to strike V1 in the front right section of the boat.  The angle of impact is approximately 27 degrees.  Occupants from V2 recovered Operator1 and called for help.

After inspection of both vessels, it was determined that neither boat had their navigational lights on at the time of the collision.

Operator 1 passed away.
DECATUR                       