Union County boating tragedy claims life of James Bailey on Norris Lake
Union County, Tennessee — What began as a calm Saturday morning on Norris Lake ended in heartbreak for the community of Union County, as a boating collision near the Highway 33 bridge claimed the life of 25-year-old James Bailey of Maynardville. Two other individuals were seriously injured and remain hospitalized as authorities investigate the cause of the devastating crash.
According to officials with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), the accident occurred around 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2025. Two vessels were involved in the collision — one carrying two passengers and another operated by a single individual, later identified as James Bailey.
The impact occurred on the open water near the Highway 33 bridge, a popular boating area known for its scenic beauty and frequent weekend activity. Following the collision, emergency crews from TWRA, the Union County Sheriff’s Office, and local rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the scene.
Upon arrival, responders found two people injured and one person missing. Both injured boaters were pulled from the water and transported to the University of Tennessee Medical Center for urgent medical treatment. Their names have not yet been released, but authorities confirmed they sustained serious injuries and remain under hospital care.
A search operation was launched for the missing boater, later confirmed to be James Bailey, who was operating one of the boats alone at the time of the crash. After several hours of searching, TWRA divers recovered his body from the lake. His remains were transported to the Knox County Regional Forensic Center for an autopsy.
TWRA officials reported that this marks the 26th boating fatality in Tennessee for 2025, underscoring a worrying rise in water-related incidents this year.
Investigators are now piecing together what caused the collision. Early evidence suggests that visibility, boat speed, or operator positioning may have been factors, but the official cause remains undetermined pending a full accident reconstruction. Both vessels involved in the crash have been impounded for examination to determine whether mechanical failures or navigation errors contributed to the tragedy.
James Bailey, 25, was a lifelong resident of Maynardville, known for his bright personality, love of the outdoors, and passion for fishing and boating. Friends describe him as someone who could light up any room with his laughter and generosity. He enjoyed spending weekends on Norris Lake, often taking his boat out at sunrise to fish or relax on the water.
Family members describe James as a devoted son, brother, and friend. “He loved life, loved the water, and loved being around people,” said one close family member. “It doesn’t feel real that he’s gone.”
In the wake of the tragedy, community members have come together to offer support to the Bailey family and the injured survivors. Local churches and organizations are planning a candlelight vigil on the shores of Norris Lake to honor James’s memory and to pray for the recovery of the two injured victims.
TWRA officials have taken this incident as an opportunity to remind the public about boating safety, especially as the colder months approach and lake conditions can change rapidly. They urge all boaters to wear life jackets, operate at safe speeds, and remain alert at all times, particularly in high-traffic or low-visibility areas such as under bridges and near boat ramps.
The Highway 33 bridge area, where the crash occurred, is a well-known stretch of Norris Lake that often sees overlapping paths between fishing boats, recreational watercraft, and touring vessels. TWRA said collisions in such areas can happen in seconds if drivers are not paying full attention to their surroundings.
As the investigation continues, authorities are appealing to anyone who witnessed the crash or has video footage from the area that morning to contact TWRA Region 4. Such information could help determine how the two boats collided and prevent future accidents.
Union County remains in mourning as residents remember James Bailey — a young man with endless energy and a love for life. His friends and family say the lake that brought him joy will now forever carry his memory.
While the investigation seeks answers, the tragedy has already left a lasting reminder of the importance of boating safety, vigilance, and care on Tennessee’s waterways. The calm waters of Norris Lake now hold the memory of a life gone too soon — a life cherished by all who knew him.
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