On August 19th, 2023, at approximately 1407 Hours Tennessee Wildlife Officers responded to the East Parksville Boat on Parksville Lake in Polk County Tennessee with the reports of a single vessel crash with injuries. Once officer arrived on scene it was learned that the vessel only had one occupant and was currently receiving medical attention. 

Officers began to interview witnesses that may have observed the crash. Two witnesses were interviewed stating that they were on paddleboards around 20 feet away from the bank and approximately 15-20 feet apart from each other. 

They stated to officers that while sitting on their boards on the lake they began to hear an engine coming their way. They turned their heads and observed a john boat with one occupant sitting up straight holding on to the tiller handle.  

The witnesses stated that the individual operating the john boat preceded to operate his boat  between the two of them, nearly striking them. Right after he had passed the two paddleboarders they observed him strike the bank at what they thought was around 20 miles per hours and him impact within the vessel. 

They rushed over to him where they found him unresponsive. Once back on the other side of the lake at the East Parksville Boat Ramp they met with emergency personnel when he regained consciousness. One of the paramedics advised investigating officers that the patient advised her that he had consumed 7 beers out of a 12 pack of beer. 

The patient was then taken to Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga by helicopter for treatment of his injuries. Officers began to then inventory the vessel where 7 more full beer cans were found. 

Once at the hospital officers began to interview the patient, shortly after the interview began, he advised officers that he did not want to speak without a lawyer. Officers then began work on obtaining a search warrant for the admittance blood received once the operator arrived at the hospital. The incident occurred in Polk County.

PARKSVILLE LAKE
BENTON                        