On July 13, 2013 Operator launched his newly purchased boat at Cedar Bluff Boat ramp.  During his operation going up to Sutliff for dinner he was hitting sand bars and was having problems with docking because the motor kept dying. The vessel also kept dying on the way back downstream so Operator started messing with the motor to try & fix it as he drifted. Operator then attempted to use the anchor by throwing it out & pulling himself to shore. He became tired and fell into the water when he threw the anchor for the last time. Operator pulled himself back into the boat & started again to get the motor started.  Operator then used a pull rope because the battery became weak due to excessive attempts to start the engine. Operator lost his balance pulling & fell into the boat hitting his back & neck. Victim got up, continued to pull, fell again & ended up in the water again. Victim held on to the side of the boat as it drifted downstream.   The boat & victim ended up on the shore & he started yelling for help. 911 was called & victim was located suffering from hypothermia & an injured back.  Victim was wearing his life jacket.
TIPTON