TWRA Investigating Death On Douglas Lake; Body Found In Rankin Area

Another death on Tennessee waters, and this one is right here at home. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is investigating a death on Douglas Lake. Just before 11am Thursday morning, the TWRA was notified about an unoccupied boat found adrift near the Rankin area of the lake, across from the Leadvale Access Area. TWRA agents and first responders arrived at the scene and secured the boat, which contained fishing gear, but no one on board.
A search for who was on that boat began in that area. Just after 3pm Thursday afternoon, using a Remote Operated Vehicle, TWRA agents found the victim’s body, which was in about eight feet of water. Divers with the Jefferson County Rescue Squad retrieved the body. The identity of that person, who was not wearing a life jacket, has not yet been released, pending notification of family. An autopsy is being performed.
This is the ninth death on Tennessee waters so far in 2026.