TWRA: Hamilton County teen dies swimming in Tennessee River

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — A teenager died while swimming in the Tennessee River Monday night, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA).

Several local agencies responded to the Hidden Harbor community in Hixson near Gray's Bluff at around 8 pm on June 17.

Dallas Bay Fire and Rescue, Hamilton County STARS and Office of Emergency Management, and the TWRA worked to find the missing 17-year-old.

According to the TWRA, the teenager was boating with family and friends when he and two others jumped into the water. The three decided to swim to shore. The others survived, but they noticed the victim was struggling, went underwater and did not resurface, the TWRA explained.

The TWRA also said none of the swimmers were wearing life jackets. However, the teen's family and friends attempted to rescue him without success.

Officers used remote operated vehicles to search the water and finally recovered his body at around 11:30 pm

TWRA officers found him in 21 feet of water. They then transported his body to the Hamilton County Medical Examiner's Office.

They noted the teen was a resident of Hamilton County.

According to the TWRA, this is the ninth boating-related fatality of 2024.

Authorities continue to investigate this incident.

We're working to learn more and will provide updates as they are available.