On August 15, 2010 at approximately 18:20Hrs, myself and Officer were contacted by dispatch of a rescue, recovery effort on J. Percy Priest Res.  We were responding from the Cumberland River near the Old Hickory Dam.  We reached the scene just after 19:00hrs.  At the time, all the statements and information given led us to believe Victim had drowned while swimming.  The pontoon was rented from Elm Hill Marina.  Boat 19 operator was on the scene when we arrived and people were in the water looking for Victim.  Boat 13 operator had returned to Elm Hill and the occupants had gone different places from there.  While collecting statements from the occupants of boat 19, we noticed a large garbage can full of empty beer containers and other contents.  TWRA assisted in the recovery effort until she was found on the 25th of August.  During the recovery responders observed Victim had wounds on her face and head.  The Davidson County Medical Examiner confirmed Victim had been struck by a propeller of a boat. This was determined to be the cause of death.  With the help of Metro Police Department, we re-interviewed all of the occupants.  When asked how much alcohol, they stated there were at least 8 cases of beer on board and at least 6 were consumed.  Vodka was also available to the occupants of the boats.  All of the statements were consistent.  The last 15 minutes, no one could account for Victim.  Two occupants stated they saw her walk off the boat but cannot account for her after that.  The accident is still under investigation, but alcohol is a contributing factor as for all involved.  TWRA received a letter from the Davidson County District Attorneys Office on the January 10th, 2011 stating no charges will be file based on the information we have at this time.
HERMITAGE                     