Divers recover body of former Cougar, veteran from Nolichucky River

Rescue efforts for Dale Wiseman began Saturday night

ERWIN, TN (WLAF)- A three day recovery effort by Erwin, Unicoi County and other rescue teams ended on Tuesday when the body of 25-year- old David Dale Wiseman, Jr., was recovered from the Nolichucky River, according to a news release from the Erwin Police Department.

Wiseman, a former US Marine, played three seasons of varsity football for the Campbell County Cougars graduating in 2020. He doubled as a running back and defensive back. Wiseman was also a skilled hunter and fisherman.

“Witnesses told us that around 11:30pm, Saturday, a male was seen jumping into the Nolichucky River behind the Riverview Freewill Baptist Church, just off I-26,” stated Erwin Chief of Police Tony Buchanan. Police officers and other agencies staged at the church and searched all night Saturday and on through Sunday evening. The search resumed Monday and concluded at 9:30am Tuesday when Wiseman’s body was recovered by divers, according to a statement from Buchanan.

Erwin Police were assisted by multiple agencies, Erwin Fire Department, Washington County/Johnson City EMS Dive team, Greene County and Unicoi County Sheriff’s Departments, Unicoi County Search and Rescue, Riverview Freewill Baptist Church, Unicoi County EMA and Southside Fire Department.

Receiving of friends for Wiseman is Saturday, 11am until 1pm, at Walters Funeral Home in La Follette with the funeral service at 1pm. The interment follows at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens with military honors presented by the Honor Guard of Campbell County. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-03/11/2026-4PM-IMAGE COURTESY OF GOOGLE MAPS-PHOTO SUBMITTED)