The TWRA is investigating a drowning that happened at Cove Lake State Park in Campbell County Friday morning.
James Hamblin, 50, from Hamilton, Oh., drowned Friday morning after falling overboard from a small jon-boat around 9 a.m.
According to Campbell County Wildlife Officer Ken Cutsinger, Mr. Hamblin and Bill Roddy, from LaFollette, Tn, had rented the boat from the park and were fishing at the time of the incident. Mr. Hamblin was standing up when he fell, causing both him and Mr. Roddy to fall overboard. Mr. Roddy was able to swim back to the boat; however, the victim was unable to make it to safety. Mr. Roddy paddled the boat to the road where he flagged down a passing motorist who called for help.
A diver from the LaFollette Rescue Squad recovered Mr. Hamblin’s body about an hour later.
The vessel was equipped with life-jackets; however, neither occupant was wearing one.
An autopsy has been requested.