Brenda Drone Was Woman Who Died After Paddle Boarding Accident On The River Downtown

Brenda Drone of New Haven, Illinois, died as a result of a paddle boarding incident on the Tennessee River.

The incident occurred on Tuesday near the Market Street Bridge. Ms. Drone was utilizing a paddle board in an area with swift moving water, officials said.

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency wildlife officers were contacted about the incident shortly after 2 p.m. Chattanooga Police and the Chattanooga Fire Department were the first responders.

Ms. Drone was transported in critical condition to Erlanger Hospital and died in the early morning hours on Wednesday.  According to wildlife officers, Ms. Drone was not wearing a personal flotation device.  

Paddle boards are considered to be watercraft in the state of Tennessee. The U.S. Coast Guard classifies paddle boards as carriage vessels thus requiring PFD’s. The law states anyone under 13 must wear a personal flotation device.