Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency wildlife officers have filed charges against four people as a result of a March boating fatality on Tellico Lake.
Cory Smith, 22, of Maryville, Chelsea Briggs, 19, of Maryville, Eric Morgan, 22, of Rockford, and Stephen Parker, 22, of Maryville were all charged with interfering/impeding in the accident investigation. Additionally, Smith was charged with the unauthorized use of an automobile (joyriding).
Ms. Briggs, Morgan and Parker were cited to appear in Blount County General Sessions on July 26. Smith was arrested and booked at the Blount County Justice Center. He has been released on $500 bond. Smith is scheduled to appear in court July 26.
Eddie Russell, 25, of Maryville drowned when the canoe he, Smith, Morgan and Parker occupied capsized in Tellico Lake near the Harrison Branch boat ramp. After the accident Smith and Parker swam to shore. Morgan remained with the canoe and was rescued by the Blount County Rescue Squad. Ms. Briggs witnessed the accident from the boat ramp. Mr. Russell’s body was recovered early the next morning. There were no personal flotation devices on board the canoe.