Second fatal boating incident on Norris Lake in last four days

UNION COUNTY, TN (SPECIAL TO WLAF)— The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) responded to a fatal boating incident on Norris Lake in Union County on the evening of Wednesday, July 23.

TWRA also investigated a fatal boating incident in Campbell County on Saturday afternoon.

At approximately 6:38 p.m., TWRA received a call reporting that an individual was receiving CPR aboard a vessel on the lake near Hickory Point Subdivision. Wildlife officers responded to the scene.

Preliminary information indicates that Kevin Allen, 53, of Middletown, Ohio, had been wakeboarding and fell into the water. After re-boarding the vessel, Allen began experiencing a medical emergency and soon lost consciousness. A vessel occupant called 911, and EMS personnel responded. Despite rescue efforts, Allen was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to a witness statement, Allen had a medical condition that may have contributed to the incident. The official cause of death will be determined by the medical examiner. At this time, it is unclear whether the incident was solely medical in nature or triggered by recreational boating activity.

This marks the 15th fatal boating incident in Tennessee this year.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving fish and wildlife species for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors. The Agency also maintains public safety through law enforcement and safety education on waterways. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-07/24/2025-11AM)

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