Victim of fatal Norris Lake boating accident identified by TWRA

The incident involved a jet ski that collided with another boat near Black Fox Access Area.
The incident involved a personal jet ski that collided with another boat near Black Fox Access Area.
Published: Jun. 4, 2023 at 8:53 PM EDT|Updated: Jun. 5, 2023 at 1:00 PM EDT

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency responded to a fatal boating accident on Norris Lake Sunday evening.

An agent told WVLT News the incident involved a jet ski that hit a boat near Black Fox Access Area in Grainger County around 5:20 p.m.

The man operating the jet ski, identified as John Michael Curley Jr., 59, died at the scene. EMS transported Curley’s body for forensic analysis.

“TWRA offers prayers and condolences to Mr. Curley’s family and those involved in the incident,” TWRA officials said.

TWRA is investigating the crash; officials said wildlife officers will present their findings to the district attorney’s office to determine if charges should be filed. This crash marks the 12th fatal boating accident of 2023.