TWRA Boating Accident Investigators Matt Majors and George Birdwell, along with Officer Clint Smith, use a remote operated vehicle to locate the body of Roman Weaver, who died in a boating incident on Norris Lake on Sunday. (Photo by TWRA)
State officials have identified the man who died in a boating accident on Norris Lake on Sunday as Roman Martin Weaver, 29, of Jonesville, Virginia.
Investigators from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency said that Weaver was killed after falling from an inner tube being towed behind a rented pontoon boat being operated by Blake Oliver, age 28, also of Jonesville.
According to investigators, Weaver fell from the inner tube around 1:30 p.m. Sunday and could not be located by Oliver or bystanders who helped.
TWRA and rescue crews from Union County and Paulette Rescue Squads recovered Weaver’s body at about 8:05 p.m. Sunday in 60 feet of water by using a remote operated vehicle, or ROV.
State boating laws require anyone being towed on an inner tube, skis, wakeboard, or similar device to wear a USCG-approved and properly fitted life jacket and that there be an observer onboard to watch the person being towed.
The incident remains under investigation by the TWRA.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
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