A Putnam County teenager, who lost his life in the Caney Fork River Saturday, has been identified as 18 year old Tyler Flanery.
Flanery and his father Kevin Flanery had put in their kayaks at the Happy Hollow access area downstream from the Center Hill dam, and had planned to take out at Betty’s Island in Smith County.
Bystanders at the Betty’s Island area reported that both men capsized their kayaks while trying to navigate towards the ramp take-out. Tyler missed the take-out and was swept downstream. Neither of the men had lifejackets.
Tyler’s body was found Sunday morning at around 7:30 on the bank of the river.
TWRA officials said the water levels were high and the current was very strong after several days of rain.
Drowning Victim Identified
May 1, 2018 | 5:00 AM