Man Dies while Launching Boat at Douglas Lake

Authorities say a fisherman died after falling overboard at Douglas Lake on Thursday.

According to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, a call came in about 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 13, 2018 reporting that a boat was adrift and a fisherman missing near the Dandridge Access Area of Douglas Lake.

A TWRA boating investigator utilized a Remote Operated Vehicle and located the body of 72-year-old Paul Allen Irwin, of Dandridge, about 80 feet off the shoreline in ten feet of water. Members of the Jefferson County Rescue Squad recovered his body at approximately 3:37 p.m.

“Indications are that the victim was launching his boat as his truck was backed down the ramp with the trailer in the water and the boat adrift nearby,” the agency said. “TWRA offers prayers for Mr. Irwin’s family and extends them condolences during this difficult time during the holidays.”