On March 10, 2023, at or around 17:30 a multiple vessel collision involving an aluminum boat and a fiberglass bass boat occurred in West Sandy Creek of the Big Sandy River in Henry County, Tennessee. 

The operator of the impacted vessel voluntarily departed the vessel prior to collision, the operator and occupant of the impacting vessel were ejected during the collision. No personal flotation devices were worn. This incident resulted in one fatality and one individual injured. This incident is currently under investigation and will be supplemented when finalized.  

*** On March 10, 2023, at or around 17:30 pm, Operator2 was fishing in a Triton aluminum boat in West Sandy Creek of the Big Sandy River in Henry County, Tennessee. Operator1 and occupant were heading towards the boat ramp by the Springville Pumphouse in West Sandy Creek in a Javelin fiberglass boat. 

Operator2 noticed a boat heading towards him and began yelling to get the operators attention, Operator2 jumped into the water when he saw the boat Operator1 was operating would collide with the back of Operator2’s boat. 

Operator1 and occupant were ejected from the vessel during the collision. V1 occupant was able to reboard Operator1’s boat, Operator1 swam to help Operator2 get to his boat and out of the water. 

Operator1 disappeared under the water after assisting Operator2.  Witnesses aided the V1 occupant and Operator2 and got them to the bank and called 911. At or around 23:50, Operator1’s body was recovered from West Sandy Creek. No personal flotation devices were worn. 

The probable cause of the collision between the Triton and the Javelin was Operator1 not maintaining a proper lookout.

Report of Investigation and Supplemental reports can be found in the case file.

BIG SANDY RIVER
PARIS                         