One Dead, One Missing in Boat Accident

Search underway on Nolichucky River

Monday, March 21, 2011

One man is dead and another missing from a boating accident that occurred before 7:00 p.m. on Saturday evening, March 19, 2011, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). 

The accident occurred on the Nolichucky River in Greene County approximately one mile above Banks Campground near Matthews Lane. 

A 16-ft. aluminum Grizzly with a 40-hp jet drive stuck a tree hanging out over the river and then ran up onto the river bank.

A passenger in the vessel, Jonathon Caldwell, age 19 of Newport, was airlifted to Johnson City Medical Center in critical condition. He died as a result of his injuries on Sunday, March 20.

The owner of the vessel, Wesley Brad Dawson, age 28 of Bybee, is still missing.

There were life jackets in the boat but neither man was wearing one.

Due to recent rains, the Nolichucky River was running high and swift.

Officers with the TWRA, Greene County Sheriff’s Dept., and Greeneville/Greene County Rescue Squad responded to the scene.  The search continues for the missing man.

The accident remains under investigation by the TWRA.


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