East Tennessee has seen its first boating-related death of 2026 after the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency said a man fell into the water at Watts Bar Reservoir while fishing.
Officers responded to a 911 call around 1 p.m. on Feb. 27 for reports of an unconscious man at Watts Bar Reservoir.
According to TWRA, 65-year-old Steven Hayes, of Sweetwater, was fishing off the back of a small boat along with a second angler who was at the front of the boat.
The second angler told officers he heard a splash and then saw Hayes struggling in the water. He attempted to throw floatation devices and help lead Hayes back toward shallow water.
According to officials, Hayes was not wearing a life jacket and the water temperature at the time of the incident was 48 degrees Fahrenheit.
This is the first boating-related death in 2026.
