Two members of the same family died on Chickamauga Lake on Friday night while going in to rescue a younger family member.
The Soddy Daisy Fire Department, Hamilton County Fire Department and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency responded to a 911 call around 7:25 p.m.
Donna Berger, 53, of Soddy Daisy, along with 74-year-old Randy Freeney, also of Soddy Daisy, were both pronounced dead at the scene.
The victims, part of a larger group containing family members of both the deceased, were boating on Chickamauga Lake near Shale Creek. The group anchored to enjoy some swimming. When one of the younger members in their party needed assistance, Ms. Berger entered the water to help. Ms. Berger then struggled, leading Mr. Freeney to enter the water to assist her. Mr. Freeney also struggled.
Seeing the difficulty from shore, residents of Lee Pike called 911 and entered the water with life vests to try and assist. Both Ms. Berger and Mr. Freeney were brought to shore.
Family members were notified at the scene. Neither victim was wearing a flotation device.
Alcohol was not involved.