Dandridge, TN – UPDATE 6/10: A 22-year-old man who went missing on Douglas Lake Sunday afternoon has marked the 11th boating death in Tennessee this year.
Officials with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency reporting Tuesday afternoon that the body of David Molina had been located after a days-long search in the Muddy Creek Area.
The Carter County Rescue Squad, which was helping in the search, first spotted Molina’s body using an underwater sonar system. His body was later recovered in more than 80 feet of water.
TWRA says witness accounts indicate Molina entered the water from a pontoon boat around 1:30 p.m. on Sunday and did not resurface. He was not wearing a personal flotation device (PFD).
This marks the 11th boating fatality in Tennessee this year. TWRA urges boaters to always wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD when boating or swimming in Tennessee waters.
TWRA extends its sincere appreciation to all the agencies involved in the search and recovery efforts, including rescue squads from Jefferson County, Carter County, Hawkins County, Sevier County, Church Hill, Greeneville, Newport, and Morristown.
TWRA offers condolences and prayers for Mr. Molina’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.
ORIGINAL STORY: The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and local emergency responders continue the search for a missing boater on Douglas Lake after receiving a report yesterday afternoon that an individual had entered the water and did not resurface.
According to witnesses, on the afternoon of June 8, 2025, at approximately 1:30 p.m., David Simanca Molina (21), of Knoxville, jumped into the water from a pontoon boat and never resurfaced.
The incident occurred in the Muddy Creek area of Douglas Lake, near Point 7, in approximately 80 feet of water. In cooperation with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, multiple area rescue squads, and other first responders, TWRA officers have been actively searching the area by boat and with sonar since the initial report. Additionally, specialized teams are utilizing side-scan sonar and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) in the ongoing search.
“We are doing everything possible to locate the missing boater and bring closure to the family,” said TWRA Captain George Birdwell. “We’ve been unable to pinpoint an exact location where the victim entered the water and currently have a very large search area. We appreciate the public’s patience and support during this ongoing operation.”
The search will continue as conditions allow. At this time, no additional information is available, but updates will be provided as the situation develops.
