Upon complete investigation, it was determined, on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at approximately 1745 hours, operator was operating an 18 foot Xpress aluminum boat, traveling upbound on the Tennessee River at mile marker 204 around the "Narrows" in Hardin County with one passenger.

Occupant stated a package of fishing equipment was blowing in the floor of the boat and the two occupants bent down to retrieve them.

The vessel made a hard right turn.  Both occupants were ejected out of the left side of the vessel.  Neither occupants were wearing personal floatation devices.  Operator was not wearing the engine cutoff switch lanyard.

Upon ejection of the occupants, the vessel began traveling in a circular pattern, often called the "circle of death", at a high rate of speed.

Occupant was able to swim to shore and was rescued by Hardin County Fire first responders.  He was treated by Hardin County EMS and released.  Occupant later checked himself into a hospital, where he was held overnight, and released the following morning.    

The vessel circled down the river for approximately an hour and fifteen minutes before it became lodged against the bank.  Good samaritans turned the vessel off and the vessel was towed to the Pickwick Dam boat ramp by Hardin County Fire.  The vessel was then taken to a secure TWRA facility.     

Operator’s body was recovered on April 1, 2023, by Sergeant and Hardin County Fire personnel.  His body was sent to West Tennessee Regional Forensic Center for autopsy.

Cause of death was determined to be drowning.
KENTUCKY LAKE
SAVANNAH                      