09/26/2026
Monday afternoon September 14th at approx. 10pm, Kyle Haney Clay County EMA Director requested East Clay Firefighters and First Responders to assist Clay County EMS and Clay County Rescue Squad with a boating accident. Nearby boaters heard the crash, and called in the accident, reporting their location, near “Grave Island.” A group of three East Clay Firefighters and first responders arrived by boat on scene first confirming location on the North-West Side of Opossum Island/Graveyard Island. Firefighters confirmed one fatality and found another individual on the shore. Efforts began to immediately stabilize the individual found on the shore. A second boat from Willow Grove Marina, with five additional East Clay Firefighters and First Responders arrived only minutes later. Another additional four Firefighters at Willow Grove Marina, launched a drone from Willow Grove Marina to aide in the search and recovery for any additional personnel, as a result of the boating accident. Clay County EMS and Clay County Rescue Squad, Clay County Sheriff Department, as well as TWRA arrived minutes later. Care continued and patient was transferred to Clay County Rescue Squad boat. Chief Ronnie Hummel was able to es**rt and assist Clay County EMS with patient care, as patient was transferred by boat to Holly Creek Maria, where a Clay County Ambulance was waiting. Patient was then transferred to the landing zone and then flown to Vanderbilt. Our thoughts and prayers go out to each of these patients and their families.
📣BOATING SAFETY REMINDER📣
As you head out on the water, please keep these important safety reminders in mind:
• Do not drink and operate a boat. Always have a sober and responsible operator.
• Wear a life jacket. Make sure everyone onboard has a properly fitted life jacket, especially children and anyone who is not a strong swimmer.
• Know your surroundings. Stay alert and pay attention to other boats, shorelines, docks, swimmers, and changing conditions.
• Remember that water levels are incredibly low right now. Areas you have safely traveled through before may be much shallower than you remember.
• Watch for underwater and newly exposed hazards. Rocks, stumps, logs, sandbars, and other objects may be closer to the surface or exposed because of low water levels.
• Familiar landmarks may not look the same, especially after dark or when water levels are significantly different.
• Slow down at night. Darkness can make it extremely difficult to judge distance, identify shorelines, and see hazards in time to avoid them.
• Make sure your navigation lights are working before heading out, particularly if there is any chance you will be on the water after sunset.
• Maintain a safe speed. Travel at a speed that gives you enough time and distance to react to unexpected hazards.
• Keep a proper lookout at all times. The operator should remain focused on operating the vessel and watching for hazards.
• Know your boat and its limitations. Do not overload the vessel, and make sure passengers and equipment are properly distributed. • Do not rely solely on your cell phone. All cell phone carriers may not have reliable service across the lake.
• Keep your phone charged and protected from water. Consider carrying an additional means of emergency communication when possible.
• Know your location. Be familiar with the lake, boat ramps, marinas, major landmarks, and how to communicate your location during an emergency. y because you have traveled it before. A good day on the lake starts with preparation and ends with everyone making it home safely. Take your time, stay alert, wear your life jacket, and look out for one another.
