Identity released of Boone Lake boating victim

Published 4:22 pm Friday, July 7, 2023

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

KNOXVILLE — The victim of a fatal boating incident on Boone Lake in Washington County has been identified as Whitney Dunn, 42, of Piney Flats, Tenn. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) responded to a call regarding a missing boater at approximately 6:30 a.m. July 6, 2023, at Boone Lake in Washington County.

Preliminary investigations revealed Dunn left a group of friends the previous night and did not return home. A vessel was found near Point 20, downstream from Jay’s Boat Dock that had impacted the shoreline and was partially submerged.

TWRA officers deployed an ROV (remotely operated underwater vehicle) unit to locate Dunn who was pronounced dead at the scene. Washington County Rescue and Kingsport Lifesaving Crew also responded to the call and assisted in search and recovery operations.

Subscribe to our free email newsletter

Get the latest news sent to your inbox

This incident brings the total boating related fatalities in Tennessee for 2023 to 15 and remains under investigation.