A fisherman from Oliver Springs drowned last Friday while fishing near the weir dam in the Clinch River below Norris Dam. The victim was wearing a PFD at the time of the accident.
On Friday, at approximately 1:30 p.m., Jimmie Clyde Putman of Oliver Springs was fishing from a small aluminum boat below Norris Dam in the Clinch River, when he fell overboard and apparently drowned.
According to TWRA Officer Roy Smith, witnesses stated that they observed Mr. Putman struggling in the water above the weir dam and attempting to swim to shore. Bystanders attempted to rescue Mr. Putman but could not get to him before he was swept over the weir.
A citizen fishing in a nearby boat located Mr. Putman and pulled him from the water. He was taken to the shore and transported to the North Knox Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. The victim was wearing a PFD at the time of the accident.