Drowning Victim’s Body Recovered In Douglas Lake

Workers have recovered the body of a man who drowned in Douglas Lake Sunday afternoon. Emergency responders were originally called to the Indian Creek area of Douglas Lake Sunday around 4:30pm after a man jumped off a pontoon boat. The man, now identified as 44 year old Yoser Valverde of Sevierville, went into the water and struggled to stay afloat. Witnesses say he went under and never resurfaced. Monday morning, divers from the Carter County Rescue Squad recovered Valverde’s body under 18 feet of water.

The TWRA and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s office are investigating the man’s death. A TWRA spokesperson stated that all boaters and passengers are highly enouraged to wear a properly fitted personal flotation devicel, or a life jacket. The TWRA says this is the most effective way to prevent drowning.

This is the second drowning on Douglas Lake this summer. This also marks the 17th death on Tennessee waters this year.