McKenzie Native Dies in Boating Accident

STEWART COUNTY, Tennessee — A McKenzie native was found deceased on Kentucky Lake on the evening of November 26, 2024.

The cause of death is unknown. The state has ordered an autopsy.

Officers from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources responded to a report concerning an overdue boater. Upon their arrival at Kentucky Lake in Stewart County, the officers discovered a deceased individual.

Preliminary investigations reveal 63-year-old Mark Edward Powell had launched a small Jon boat from Piney Campground in Stewart County to work on a duck blind. Mr. Powell was unfortunately found deceased in the water near the boat ramp. His vessel, equipped solely with a trolling motor, was located against the bank approximately 65 yards from the ramp.

This incident marks the second boating-related fatality on Kentucky Lake for the current year and the 22nd such fatality on Tennessee waterways this year.