Man dies trying to save another person after jet ski accident

LENOIR CITY, Tenn. (WVLT/Gray News) - A man died while trying to save another person after a jet ski accident in Tennessee.

The Loudon County Sheriff’s Office says emergency crews responded to the Fisherman’s Boat Ramp in Lenoir City for a possible drowning victim Thursday night.

Officials say the search stemmed from a jet ski accident involving two juveniles and an adult. Both juveniles were wearing life jackets but the adult was not.

The adult tried to help one of the juveniles but was not seen when crews arrived on the scene.

The search was turned over to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.

Crews found the male victim just after midnight, roughly two hours after going missing.

“It is with heavy hearts that we report the recovery of the missing adult victim from tonight’s incident at the fisherman’s boat ramp off Highway 444 in Lenoir City. Utilizing a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and divers from the Loudon County Dive Rescue Team, the victim was located and recovered from the water,” the sheriff’s office said in an update shared to social media. “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the victim’s family, loved ones, and all those affected by this tragic accident. We ask the community to us in keeping them in your thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.”

The sheriff’s office says it is “grateful to the many agencies who responded,” including the Loudon County Emergency Management Agency, Greenback Fire Department, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Priority Ambulance Service, Lenoir City Fire Department, Lenoir City Police Department and Loudon Fire Department.