The Great Smoky Mountain Journal
Tuesday, January 01, 2019 03:01 PM
Search Called Off For Blount County Drowning Victim Near Peery's Mill Dam In Maryville
The Blount County Sheriff's Office called off the search for a possible second victim Thursday. Authorities said they had Knox County air watch fly over the river, a kayaker float down the river, and more resources searching for the possible second person without success.
A BCSO representative said they have had no reports of missing persons and have exhausted their resources, but urged the community to call if they have any other information.
Crews initially responded to the area after reports of a possible drowning came in at around 7:14 p.m. Wednesday. The Blount County Sheriff's Office said when they arrived, the fire department was giving Berry CPR. He was rushed to the hospital but died a short time later.
A witness told deputies he saw two men go in the water. Blount Special Operations Rescue Team divers searched for another possible victim but later called off the search.
The Sheriff's Offices also used a small Unmanned Aerial System with FLIR and has asked for help from the Army National Guard Medivac Blackhawk Unit at McGhee Tyson National Guard Base.
Anyone with additional information about the case has been urged to call Blount County Dispatch at 865-983-3620.
Peery's Mill is a TVA access area on East Lamar Alexander Parkway. Deputies said they wanted to remind everyone about the dangers of swimming there or near a lowhead dam.