Man Responsible For Child’s Death On Norris Lake Sentenced
The man who drove a boat into another boat on Norris Lake last summer causing the death of a young boy has been sentenced to prison. According to the TWRA, On the evening of July 22, 2023, at 62 year old Norman Sturgill of Grayson, Kentucky was operating a Triton bass boat while he was under the influence of alcohol. Sturgill’s bass boat collided with a 24-foot open motorboat in front of Norris Landing Marina. Several people were knocked off the motorboat and into the water, and 12 year old Connor Catlett was killed in the collision. Sturgill plead guilty in Claiborne County court on Tuesday to one count of vehicular homicide by intoxication and reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon. A judge then sentenced Sturgill to eight years in prison with that sentence to be served at 100%. He will then be on eight years of supervised probation and not allowed to operate a vehicle while on probation. He was also ordered to pay a $5,000 contribution to the Victim’s Assessment Fund.
After the sentencing, Connor Catlett’s family released a statement through their attorney:
“On behalf of the Catlett family, this conviction and immediate jail sentence brings some closure to them, although it never will bring their son, Connor, back to them. At the very least, the Catlett family hopes that this speedy conviction and lengthy jail sentence will serve as a reminder that operating a boat impaired can have devastating consequences. The Catletts wish to thank District Attorney General, Jarrod Effler, Assistant District Attorney Graham Wilson, their staff, and all of the officers of the TWRA, who have been incredibly competent and compassionate throughout this terrible ordeal. Now the family can continue to find ways to heal and further honor Connor’s short but brilliant life.”
The TWRA says this is a reminder to not boat under the influence as we get set to enter the summer boating season.