Kentucky firefighter drowns in Dale Hollow Lake: TWRA

CLAY COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — A Kentucky firefighter drowned early Wednesday morning in Dale Hollow Lake, according to multiple reports.

According to a news release from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, officers responded to a call about a man overboard around Sewell Bend near First Island on Wednesday, June 18, around 12:50 a.m.

TWRA officials said Christopher Berry, 35, was camping with friends, and they took out an Allison bass boat to fish during the night. Berry reportedly stumbled and fell into the water.

Despite attempts to help Berry, no one could reach him, according to the TWRA release. The agency added that officers used their remote-operated vehicle to locate Berry. He was found in 72 feet of water, and his body was recovered Wednesday around 8:30 a.m.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office and Clay County EMS also responded to the call and helped in location and recovery efforts, TWRA officials said.

The Okolona Fire Protection District confirmed on Facebook that Berry was a captain and a 9-year veteran with the district. He’d earned the Department’s Fire Life Saver Award in 2018 and twice the Unit Citation in 2018 and 2023 for outstanding service.

“We are crushed by this tragedy,” Okolona Fire Protection District Chief Mark Little said in the post. “To our cherished friends, family, and the Emergency Responders Committee, words cannot adequately express the depth of our gratitude for the outpouring of sympathy and support you have shown to both the Berry and Okolona Fire families during this incredibly difficult time.”

Berry’s body was transported to the Nashville Medical Examiner’s Office, according to the TWRA.

The TWRA reported Berry’s death as the 12th boating-related fatality across the state in 2025.