Florida Man Dies After Falling Overboard on Tennessee Lake

Nashville, TN, September 12, 2026 — A 72-year-old man from Florida has died following an incident on Watts Bar Lake in Tennessee where he fell overboard from a pontoon boat.

The man, whose name has not been released, was a passenger on the pontoon boat when he fell into the water. Emergency services were alerted, but the man was pronounced deceased at the scene. The incident occurred on Watts Bar Lake, a significant reservoir located in eastern Tennessee, spanning parts of both Tennessee and Kentucky.

Details regarding the specific circumstances leading to the man falling overboard have not yet been provided. Authorities have not released information about the date or time of the incident, nor the precise location on Watts Bar Lake where it took place. The investigation into the events surrounding the fall is ongoing, and further information is expected to be released as it becomes available.

The U.S. Coast Guard often advises boaters to wear life jackets, especially when underway, and to ensure all passengers are aware of safety precautions. While the summary does not specify the cause of the fall or whether life jackets were worn, authorities typically investigate such incidents to determine contributing factors.

Watts Bar Lake is a popular recreational area, known for boating, fishing, and swimming. Incidents involving falls from vessels, while not common, underscore the inherent risks associated with water activities. Officials urge all individuals partaking in water recreation to exercise caution and adhere to safety guidelines.

Story summarized from the original created by Ariana Joy Cobler, Jordan Gartner on www.wsmv.com, see more information here.

Media gallery