On Sunday June 4 2023 , at approximately 5:20 pm A personal watercraft (PWC V2) collided with a cabin cruiser (V1). Operator2 died as a result of the collision. The incident occurred in the Williams creek / Black Fox area of Norris Lake. A blood sample was submitted by Operator1. A blood alcohol test has been requested for Operator2. Incident is still under investigation pending results.

Rejection Update:
*** At approximately 16:19 on 6/04/2023 TWRA dispatch was made aware of a fatal boating incident in Black Fox area of Grainger County on Norris lake.  Officers were dispatched to Williams Creek boat launch on Black Fox road where the Operator1, the operator of Vessel 1and the deceased individual, Operator2, were reported to be located.  

Upon their arrival at the boat ramp officers located Operator1 and several witnesses, and Operator1’s vessel, along with the deceased and the vessel he had been operating.  Based on witness statements on scene and statements made by Operator1, Operator1 was operating his vessel heading out of the area of the boat ramp toward the main lake and was just increasing speed to come on plane at the time of the collision.   

Based upon witness statements Operator2 was operating a PWC traveling beside and parallel to Operator1’s vessel and was overtaking Operator1’s vessel along the port side when he made a sharp turn to starboard, crossing the bow of Operator1’s vessel when the two vessels impacted one another, resulting in Operator1’s vessel traveling across Operator2’s vessel.  

Operator2 sustained serious injuries in the collision resulting in his death. Operator2 was wearing a life jacket and remained floating on the surface of the water after the collision. Witnesses in the area were able to secure the body of Operator2 to the Witness 1’s pontoon boat and transport it to shore. 

Operator1 remained on scene until officers arrived and agreed to be interviewed about the incident. After the field interview was stopped, Operator1 agreed to provide a blood sample. A sample was collected on scene by local EMS and submitted to the TBI crime lab in Knoxville for analysis. 

The PWC that Operator2 was operating was being tried out for possible purchase by Purchaser. Purchaser, Operator2 , and Operator2’s daughter had arrived at the lake together and had taken turns operating the PWC that day. Purchaser had left the area with the PWC and Operator2’s daughter’s children after the incident and was interviewed. 

The PWC along with another PWC that was not involved in the incident were seized and taken as evidence. Operator2’s daughter was interviewed later. She indicated that when she operated the PWC that it was running and operating fine. Upon inventory and inspection of both vessels, no evidence of drug or alcohol use were discovered. All required safety equipment were on board. Each vessel was examined and all damage documented and photographed in order be used in conjunction with witness statements to arrive at angles of impact and path of engagement.
NORRIS RESERVOIR
BLAINE                        