BREAKING Rescue workers search for missing canoeist
By J.J. Kindred | (jj.kindred@thedailytimes.com)
Rescue workers are searching for a missing canoeist in Tellico Lake near U.S. 129 at the first turnoff just past the split with Tenn. Highway 72.
Details were sketchy, but a man identified as Eddie Russell, believed to be in his early 20s, was canoeing late this afternoon in the lake along with James Parker and Eric Morgan, also in their early 20s. The canoe tipped over, and Parker swam back to shore while Morgan struggled in the water and Russell went under, according to a person at the scene.
Rescue workers pulled Morgan from the water a short time later. None of the three men were wearing life jackets.
The Blount County Sheriff’s Office, the Blount County Fire Department support/Hazmat special operations and dive teams as well as a rescue squad from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency remained on the scene to continue the search for Russell.
More details on this story will follow as they become available and in Monday’s print edition of The Daily Times.
