The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has identified the individual who died in a boating collision on Norris Lake the morning of Saturday, November 1, 2025.
The victim has been identified as James Bailey, 25, of Maynardville.
The incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. near the Highway 33 bridge, where two vessels collided. One vessel had two occupants onboard, while Mr. Bailey was the sole occupant of the other vessel. All parties involved in the incident were fishing the same bass tournament.
The two individuals occupying the same boat were transported to the University of Tennessee Medical Center, where they were treated and released. Mr. Bailey was initially unaccounted for, prompting a search effort. His body was later recovered. He was not wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) at the time of the incident.
Bailey’s body has been sent for autopsy at the direction of the medical examiner.
This marks the 26th fatal boating accident in Tennessee this year. TWRA is actively investigating the incident. Additional details will be released as they become available.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving the state’s fish and wildlife resources for the benefit of all Tennesseans and visitors. The agency also promotes public safety through law enforcement and boating safety education on Tennessee’s waterways.
