News Summary
David Simanca Molina’s body was recovered from Douglas Lake after a boating incident. His mother expressed gratitude for the community’s support. Sam’s Club is organizing a benefit cookout to assist her during this difficult time, reflecting the need for awareness regarding boating safety amidst rising fatalities in the region.
Knoxville, TN – The body of David Simanca Molina has been recovered from Douglas Lake following a tragic boating incident that occurred on Sunday. Simanca disappeared after entering the water and failed to resurface. His remains were located on Tuesday afternoon, approximately 81 feet below the surface in the Muddy Creek area of the lake.
Simanca’s mother, Luz Martin, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to East Tennessee first responders and the local community for their dedicated efforts during the search. She praised their time, effort, and energy in attempting to locate her son. Luz Martin has been working as an associate at Sam’s Club in West Knoxville for about three years.
In response to the tragedy, Sam’s Club is organizing a benefit cookout on Friday, June 13, at 10 a.m. The cookout will feature BBQ plates with two sides, each priced at $10, with all proceeds going directly to assist Luz Martin during this challenging time. The assistant manager at Sam’s Club emphasized the collective aim of providing love and support to Martin in her hour of need.
This incident is part of a concerning trend in boating safety within the region. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has reported a total of 12 boating fatalities in the state for the year 2023, surpassing the halfway mark towards the average of 22 fatalities annually. Among those incidents, Jerry Vaughan, aged 74, tragically drowned in a boating accident on May 17 at a private dock on Norris Lake. He received CPR from a bystander and emergency personnel but was pronounced dead at the Campbell County Medical Center.
Another painful incident involved John Michael Curley, who also drowned at Norris Lake while boating with his daughter and grandchildren. Curley faced challenges due to his hearing impairment, which contributed to the panic when his family realized he was missing. The TWRA is currently investigating the circumstances of Curley’s death.
On July 22, a young boy died after two boats collided on Norris Lake in the evening. The crash involved a 24-foot Chaparral and a 19-foot Triton Bass Boat near Norris Landing Marina. While two people from the Triton were thrown into the water, they managed to swim ashore. The specific affiliation of the child’s boat has not been disclosed. Other individuals involved in the collision sustained non-life-threatening injuries. It has been reported that initial concerns about an explosion during the incident were unfounded, likely caused by the noise of the crash. Multiple TWRA officers are actively investigating the boating collision.
The repeat incidents of drownings and accidents on local lakes have raised alarm regarding boating safety. The recent tragedy of David Simanca Molina resonates within the community as families are reminded of the vulnerabilities associated with water activities. Local advocates highlight the crucial need for heightened awareness and safety protocols while enjoying recreational boating to significantly reduce incidents and enhance safety for all participants.
As the community rallies to support those affected by these tragedies, it is imperative to continue emphasizing the importance of safe boating practices, which can help prevent similar incidents in the future. The upcoming benefit cookout at Sam’s Club serves as a poignant reminder of the need for community solidarity during times of loss and grief.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Offers Free Vessel Safety Exams in Knoxville
Downtown Knoxville Boat Show Kicks Off This Weekend
Search for Missing Boater Suspended After Tragic Incident
Additional Resources
- Knox News: 74-Year-Old Dies in Boating Accident on Norris Lake
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Boating Safety
- Knox News: Powell Man Dies and Others are Hurt in Norris Lake Boat Crash
- Google Search: Boating Safety Accidents
- WATE: 1 Person Killed and Several Injured in Two Boat Crash on Norris Lake
- Google News: Boating Accidents Tennessee
- WBIR: Family Members Talk About Their Loss of Their Father at Norris Lake
- Google Scholar: Boating Safety Guidelines
