On August 3, 2013, Operator and fishing partner Occupant met at Operator''s house between 8:30-9:00 pm to go Walleye fishing on Norris Lake. They arrived at their fishing destination, and anchored the boat at approximately 10:00 pm.  The vessel was anchored perpendicular to shore with the stern towards the shore (approximately 25 yards from land). Occupant stated they put lights out in the water and were able to net some shad fairly quickly.  Operator had brought a 12 pack of Natural Light beer and some sandwiches.  Occupant stated they were anchored in 35 feet of water, but decided to move in to 30 feet to fish.  Occupant stated they were drinking beer, eating sandwiches and casting shad back towards the bank past the transom of the vessel.  

Operator fell asleep around 12:30 am.  Occupant asked Operator if he wanted to go home.  Operator stated they would  stay since they were already there. Occupant fell asleep between 1:30-2:00 am.  Operator''s wife stated she had called Operator at 1:20 am and he did not answer.  Operator called her back at 1:21 am.  Operator’s wife stated Operator sounded sluggish on the phone as they talked.  Operator’s wife stated Operator had not taken his night time medications with him. Operator’s wife sent a text to Operator at 4:09 am and asked if he was okay. Operator replied "Y" for yes.  Operator’s wife called Operator at 8:00 am and he did not answer.  Operator’s wife stated she began to call around to try to find Occupant''s number.  Occupant woke up between 8:30-9:00 am and Operator was not in the vessel. Occupant saw a rod in the back of the boat that had the handle broke off at the reel seat.  Occupant yelled for Operator and called TWRA. Occupant reached a recording on the TWRA number and called 911.  Occupant''s wife, called Operator’s wife at 9:31 am and told her Operator was missing.  Operator''s body was recovered by the Union County Rescue Squad on the portside stern of the vessel.  Operator showed no visible signs of trauma.  The zipper on Operator''s shorts was open at the time he was recovered.  Operator’s wife stated Operator had a lengthy medical history, and had recently had problems with his sugar levels bottoming out.  Operator’s wife also stated Operator had prostate problems making it difficult for him to urinate.  The Union County Corner, Dr., was contacted and advised what had been found at the accident scene.  Dr. did not order an autopsy on Operator, since no signs of foul play had been detected during the investigation.
ANDERSONVILLE