BASED ON INFORMATION TO DATE:  

On February 7, 2009 at or around 2258 hours, I arrived at the Bumpus Mills boat ramp after receiving a call that a boat had been found running with no occupant on board.  Based on witness statements and evidence to date, a synposis of the event follows:

This reporting officer found a fiberglass vessel that was grounded on the northern bank of Saline Creek on Barkley Lake with no persons on board.  A witness reports that he found the vessel with the outboard engine running in neutral and he turned the engine off prior to my arrival.  There was no obvious damage to the vessel.  A PFD was found lying behind the drivers seat.  A search of the water was conducted by myself and 2 Stewart County Rescue Squad vessels.  An arial search was conducted by a THP helicopter.  No one was located.    

Stewart County Rescue Squad recovered tody of the operator around 1630 hours on February 8, 2009 approximately 50 yards from where the vessel was located.  The body was transported by Stewart County EMS to the State Medical Examiner's Office for an autopsy. The operator was seen putting his boat in the water at the Bumpus Mills boat ramp around 1400 hours on February 7, 2009.  He was alone and was not wearing a PFD.  The operator somehow entered the water and was unable to reboard his vessel.  

Once all witnesses are interviewed and evidence is collected, I will sumbit a final report.Wildlife Officer I
Stewart County
BUMPUS MILLS                  