NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee wildlife officials are investigating a fatal boating accident on Dale Hollow Reservoir that claimed the life of an Indiana man and injured another boater Sunday night.
According to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), game wardens responded around 10 p.m. after campers near Opossum Island reported hearing a crash and calls for help coming from the water.
Investigators said two men were traveling in a Skeeter bass boat when the vessel struck Opossum Island, ejecting both occupants into the water.
Emergency responders with Clay County EMS transported both men to Holly Creek Marina, where medical personnel assessed their injuries.
TWRA identified the victim as John Rush, 71, of Indianapolis, Indiana, who was pronounced dead following the crash.
The second occupant, Alden Rush, 33, of London, Ohio, suffered injuries and was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for treatment.
Wildlife officials have not released additional details about what may have caused the boat to strike the island. The extent of Alden Rush’s injuries has not been disclosed.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency said the incident marks the state’s 17th boating-related fatality of 2026.
Game wardens continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, including factors that may have contributed to the collision.
Dale Hollow Reservoir, which straddles the Tennessee-Kentucky border, is a popular destination for fishing and recreational boating throughout the year.
Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact TWRA investigators.
