UNION COUNTY, Tenn — The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is investigating a fatal boating accident that occurred Saturday morning near the Highway 33 bridge in Union County.
According to TWRA, the collision involved two vessels around 8:30 a.m. One boat had two people on board, both of whom were transported to the University of Tennessee Medical Center for treatment. The other vessel had a single occupant, who was initially unaccounted for following the crash.
After a search was conducted, TWRA officials confirmed that the missing boater, 25-year-old James Bailey of Maynardville, had tragically died. His body was recovered and sent to the medical examiner’s office for an autopsy.
TWRA reported that this incident marks the 26th fatal boating accident in Tennessee so far this year. The circumstances surrounding the crash are still under investigation, and authorities have not released additional details at this time.
The Union County community and Bailey’s family are grappling with the heartbreaking loss of a young life. TWRA officials continue to urge boaters to exercise caution and follow safety regulations to prevent further tragedies on Tennessee’s waterways.
This incident serves as a solemn reminder of the risks associated with boating and the importance of vigilance, safety gear, and responsible operation.