Matt Stevens via FB: He was a fisherman, no pfd in a dam released area... It's calm until the gate rises, then it becomes swift and deep enough to drown if wearing waders... He was on a recreational sit on top, not prepared for whitewater . . . very cold water!
Kayak Angler Drowns On Watauga River
Monday, August 12, 2024: An angler drowned in the Watauga River on Monday morning after falling overboard when his kayak capsized. The victim was not wearing a personal flotation device. According to TWRA wildlife officers, 31-year-old Brandon Nave, of Watauga, Tn., and another male kayaker were fishing in separate kayaks around 9 a.m. when both overturned in rough water about a half mile below Wilbur Dam. The other kayaker was able to make it to shore and call 911. The missing angler’s body was recovered by Carter County Rescue and the Carter County Sheriff's Office around 10:10 a.m.
