In the shimmering waters of Melton Hill Lake, nestled along the Clinch River in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, a routine boating trip turned into a heart-wrenching tragedy. On a crisp August morning in 2025, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) brought closure to a frantic search, identifying the body of 53-year-old Kim Daugherty, a Clinton resident, recovered from the depths of the lake. What began as a hopeful outing on the water ended in sorrow, marking Tennessee’s 18th fatal boating accident of the year.
The ordeal unfolded on Thursday, August 21, 2025, when the Oak Ridge Police Department received a distressing call around 4 p.m. A boater was missing on Melton Hill Lake, a 5,690-acre reservoir known for its serene beauty and recreational allure. According to witness accounts, Daugherty and a female companion had set out from the Edgemoor Road boat ramp earlier that afternoon. Their vessel, however, was soon plagued by engine trouble—a mechanical hiccup that would set the stage for the unfolding tragedy. The woman was safely returned to the ramp, leaving Daugherty alone to tend to the struggling boat. But when she later spotted the vessel drifting aimlessly downstream, grounded on a sandbar, Daugherty was nowhere to be seen. The empty boat, bobbing silently in the current, sent a chilling signal that something had gone terribly wrong.
As dusk settled over Oak Ridge, a multi-agency search effort sprang into action. The Oak Ridge Police and Fire Departments, alongside the TWRA, converged on the lake near Haw Ridge, their resolve unbroken despite the fading light. Sonar equipment hummed and underwater drones glided through the cool, dark waters, scanning for any sign of the missing man. The TWRA, bolstered by the expertise of the Blount County Special Operations Response Team, Tellico Village Fire and Rescue, and the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, worked tirelessly through the night, their boats cutting through the stillness of Melton Hill Lake. The community was urged to steer clear of the Edgemoor Road ramp, allowing the crews to focus on their critical mission.
By 9:20 a.m. on Friday, August 22, a breakthrough came. A TWRA investigator, operating a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV), detected Daugherty’s body in 21 feet of water—a somber discovery that confirmed the worst fears. Divers from the Blount County team descended into the lake, carefully recovering the 53-year-old’s remains. The operation, though successful in its objective, left a heavy weight on the hearts of all involved. The TWRA expressed gratitude to the assisting agencies, whose collaboration was vital in navigating the challenging underwater terrain.
Melton Hill Lake, with its narrow, riverine channels and history of notable catches—like a 63-pound striped bass once reeled in near the Bull Run Steam Plant—has long been a haven for anglers and boaters. Yet, its waters can be unforgiving. The TWRA notes that the lake’s cool temperatures, influenced by discharges from Norris Dam, create unique conditions that demand caution. This incident, now the 18th boating-related fatality in Tennessee for 2025, underscores the inherent risks of navigating these waters, especially when mechanical failures leave boaters vulnerable.
As the investigation continues, questions linger about the moments leading to Daugherty’s disappearance. Was it a sudden accident, a misstep in the face of engine trouble, or an unforeseen force of nature? The TWRA has sent Daugherty’s body for an autopsy, hoping to uncover answers that might bring clarity to his loved ones and the Clinton community. For now, the lake resumes its quiet rhythm, its surface betraying no hint of the tragedy below. But for those who knew Kim Daugherty, the ripples of this loss will linger far beyond the shores of Melton Hill.
