Missing kayaker’s body recovered from Dale Hollow Reservoir

DALE HOLLOW RESERVOIR, Tenn. (WSMV) – The physique of a lacking kayaker was recovered from Dale Hole Reservoir, based on the Tennessee Wildlife Sources Company (TWRA).

Benjamin Thomen was reported lacking on Saturday, April 1, round 7:30 p.m. His physique was discovered by an angler close to Goat Island round 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Thomen, 31, was an Overton County resident. He was tenting with three different individuals on the campground on one of many islands. He was final seen by these in his social gathering when he left to paddle to the Willow Grove Marina for provides. Thomen didn’t return to the campsite.

TWRA — together with Clay County EMA, the Clay County Sheriff’s Workplace, the Tennessee Freeway Patrol (THP) and TEMA — responded to the search operation.

Groups did a fringe search after which used thermal imaging by means of the night time of April 1. Officers suspended the search due to security issues.

Search operations began once more on Sunday at 7 a.m. Groups had been assigned to the shoreline and banks protecting a big space.

Facet-scanning sonar, a remotely operated car (ROV), and the THP helicopter had been used. Round 9 a.m., Thomen’s kayak was discovered.

Thomen’s physique was discovered close to Massive Goat Island utilizing the ROV in 13 ft of water. It was recovered simply earlier than 5:00 p.m. Thomen’s physique was taken for medical examination. Thomen was not carrying a life jacket.

That is the sixth boating fatality this 12 months. The incident stays beneath investigation.

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