TWRA discovers body of missing kayaker
Dale Hollow Reservoir, Crossville, TN
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency recovered the body of a missing kayaker on Dale Hollow Reservoir in Crossville, Tennesssee.
The 31-year-old male, Benjamin Thomen, was reported missing around 7:30 p.m. on April 1st.
He was last seen by those in his party when he left to paddle to the Willow Grove Marina for supplies.
TWRA along with Clay County EMA, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, THP and TEMA responded for the search operation.
Teams conducted a perimeter search and used thermal imaging into the night of April 1st. Search operations resumed at 7:00 a.m. on April 2nd.
A side-scanning sonar, remote operated vehicle and THP helicopter were utilized in the search.
At 9:00 a.m., Thomen’s kayak was found.
He was observed by a fisherman near Goat Island on April 2nd around 2:30 p.m..
Thomen did not return to the camp site, causing those in his party to inquire at the marina.
The incident remains under investigation.
