TWRA releases name of Norris Lake accident victim

CLAIBORNE COUNTY, TN (SPECIAL TO WLAF)- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is releasing the identity of the victim from a fatal boating incident that occurred this week on Norris Lake.

At approximately 9:03 a.m. EDT on July 21, TWRA game wardens responded to a report of an individual in the water in the Straight Creek area of Norris Lake in Claiborne County.

According to witnesses, Kelly Eugene Minton, 65, of New Tazewell, had been found floating in the water near an unmanned bass boat that was later identified as belonging to him. Members of the Claiborne County Rescue Squad responded and transported the victim to Straight Creek Dock.

TWRA wardens are examining the vessel and will utilize GPS data as part of the ongoing investigation to determine the boat’s activity leading up to the incident.

Minton was wearing an inflatable personal flotation device, which was inflated when he was found in the water.

The investigation remains ongoing, and this incident marked the 11th boating-related fatality on Tennessee waterways in 2026. Later the same afternoon, a separate boating incident involving two personal watercraft colliding on Tims Ford Lake claimed the life of the 12th Tennessee boating accident victim.

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-07/23/2026-10AM)