Based on witness statements and investigation at the scene, operator, and three others were heading upstream in the Tennessee River/Chickamauga Reservoir above Richland Creek to go deer hunting.  They were all on board operator's boat inside the camper cover.  The water was "whitecapping" and a wave did come over the front of the vessel swamping the boat.  The men were able to make it out of the camper and hold on to the bottom of the overturned boat.  operator tried to swim for the bank but only made it 10-20 feet before going under water.  The other three men stayed with the boat until another hunter saw them and rescued them.

operator was found at approximately 8:15 am by the Meigs County rescue service.

The vessel was impounded by TWRA for investigation and towed by Towboat US.
DAYTON                        