Body of Missing Boater Recovered from Kentucky Lake Following Multi-Agency Search Effort
CALLOWAY COUNTY, KY — June 15, 2025 — A somber sense of closure has come to Kentucky Lake today as emergency crews successfully recovered the body of a man who went missing after reportedly falling overboard on the morning of June 14.
At approximately 8:00 AM, multiple local and state emergency response teams resumed coordinated search and recovery operations on the lake, with focused efforts near the mouth of Blood River. The search, now in its second day, had drawn on a wide range of specialized personnel and equipment, all mobilized in the hopes of locating the missing individual.
The breakthrough came just before 2:00 PM, when the Calloway County 911 Communications Center received a call from a fisherman who reported what he believed to be a body floating in the water near the Blood River opening. Responders from Calloway County Fire-Rescue (CCFR), Marshall County Rescue Squad, and McCracken County Rescue Squad were dispatched by boat to investigate the sighting.
Upon arrival, emergency crews confirmed the discovery: the body of 51-year-old Steve Simpkins, the missing boater. Simpkins’ remains were respectfully recovered from the water and brought to shore, where they were turned over to Calloway County Coroner Ricky Garland.
“This is not the outcome anyone was hoping for,” said Lt. Taylor Black, Public Relations Officer for CCFR. “But we are grateful that we could bring closure to the Simpkins family. Our hearts go out to them during this unimaginably difficult time.”
Steve Simpkins was described by those who knew him as a dedicated family man, avid outdoorsman, and a familiar face around the lake. His tragic loss has sent ripples through the Calloway County community and beyond.
The operation involved a collaborative effort of more than a dozen agencies and organizations, all working tirelessly over the last two days. These include:
- Calloway County 911 Communications Center
- Marshall County Rescue Squad
- McCracken County Rescue Squad
- Graves County Fire-Rescue
- Calloway County Emergency Management
- McCracken County Emergency Management
- Graves County Emergency Management
- Marshall County Emergency Management
- Kentucky Emergency Management – Area 1
- Calloway County Sheriff’s Office
- Murray-Calloway County EMS
- Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife
- Calloway County Coroner
The swift and cooperative response is being hailed as a testament to the power of regional partnerships in times of crisis. Officials commended the professionalism and compassion displayed by all involved.
Lt. Black concluded, “This successful recovery speaks to the strength of our emergency network and the willingness of our people to step up when their community needs them most. We remain deeply grateful to every agency, responder, and volunteer who assisted in this mission.”
For further information, please contact:
Lt. Taylor Black
Public Relations Officer
Calloway County Fire Rescue
📞 (270) 978-9378
The Simpkins family has requested privacy at this time as they grieve their profound loss. A memorial service is expected to be announced in the coming days.