TWRA Wildlife Officers are investigating a fatal boating incident on Cherokee Lake involving a Virginia fisherman who drowned after falling overboard from a small watercraft Saturday afternoon.
Around 2:45 p.m. on Edward McMillan, 71, of Gate City, Va., was fishing with a juvenile male onboard a 1993 14’ Gheenoe near Quarryville boat ramp near Mooresburg in Hawkins Co.
The vessel is described as being similar to a flat-transom canoe with an outboard engine. According to witness statements, the vessel was about 60 yards off the bank when it overturned sending both occupants into the water. The juvenile male was able to pull the victim to shore although he did not survive. Neither occupant was wearing a personal flotation device.
Hawkins Co. EMS, Hawkins Co. Rescue Squad and the Hawkins Co. Sheriff’s Office assisted TWRA officers with the incident.