CROSSVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — A 72-year-old Florida man died Friday afternoon following a boating accident on Watts Bar Lake, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
The victim was identified as Stephen Mason, 72, of Homosassa, Florida.
TWRA officials said Mason was boating with his wife and friends near Sand Island on the Watts Bar Reservoir when he fell overboard from a pontoon boat that was underway.
Authorities said Mason suffered severe injuries during the incident. First responders immediately began lifesaving efforts on the water before transporting him to the Watts Bar Dam boat ramp, where emergency medical crews continued treatment.
Despite those efforts, Mason was pronounced dead at the scene.
Wildlife officials reported that Mason was not wearing a life jacket at the time of the accident.
The incident sparked a large emergency response shortly after 2 p.m. Friday, involving multiple agencies from across the region. Responding organizations included TWRA game wardens, the Rhea County Sheriff’s Office, Meigs County Sheriff’s Office, EMS personnel from both counties and several volunteer rescue agencies.
Mason’s body was transported to the Meigs County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Investigators have not released specific details about how Mason fell from the vessel or the exact nature of the injuries he sustained. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is leading the investigation into the accident.
According to TWRA, Mason’s death marks the 16th boating-related fatality in Tennessee in 2026.
Officials continue to remind boaters to wear properly fitted life jackets while on the water, noting that unexpected accidents can occur even aboard larger recreational vessels.
The investigation remains ongoing.
