KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A prominent Knoxville businessman was killed and three others were rescued after a helicopter crashed into Fort Loudoun Lake on the Tennessee River on Monday near downtown Knoxville.
Members of the family confirm that Joe Clayton, co-founder of Clayton Automobiles and Clayton Homes, was killed in the crash. A visitation service will be held between 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. on Aug. 11 at Berry Highland Memorial. The graveside service will be private for family and extended family only, due to COVID-19 concerns.
Officials said that a public Celebration of Life held at a later date.
Clayton's brother and longtime business partner, Jim Clayton, survived the crash, along with Jim Clayton's grandson, Flynt Griffin, and family friend Jay McBride. They were pulled from the water onto a pontoon boat and did not require medical attention.
“I am devastated and completely heartbroken by the loss of my wonderful brother, Joe,” Clayton said. “Joe and I were as close as two brothers can be, and, as only siblings, we have supported each other since growing up together on a farm in West Tennessee and as business partners for decades. My thoughts and concerns are totally for Joe’s family right now.”
James Clayton, 86, founded Clayton Autos in 1956 with his brother, Joe, who still operated it. He went on to found Clayton Homes in 1966. He is currently the East Tennessee Chairman of FirstBank. In addition to being a successful businessman, Jim Clayton and his family are very philanthropic, giving large donations to the University of Tennessee, Zoo Knoxville and the Knoxville Museum of Art, among others. He provided funding for the Clayton Center for the Arts on the Maryville College campus and plans to build a children's museum in Knoxville.
Flynt Griffin, 40, is Jim Clayton's grandson and involved in family interests, including being the director of the Clayton Family Foundation.
Jay McBride, 65, has been a developer and is an active arts supporter in Knoxville.
Dive teams and sonar equipment were utilized to find the body of Joe Clayton after the crash. His body was recovered around 9:45 p.m.
The location of the crash is west of Alcoa Highway, behind 3358 Lakeview Drive in Knoxville, about four miles west of the Downtown Island Airport in Knoxville.
Jim Clayton had a helipad at his lake-front home.
Authorities were not sure if the aircraft was taking off or landing, but witnesses said it appeared to be landing when something went wrong.
"The helicopter seemed to hesitate, then it suddenly hit the water, and then the rotor blades exploded," Robert Crawford said.
PHOTOS: Helicopter crashes into the Tennessee River in Knoxville
The FAA said the helicopter was a Eurocopter EC-130.
Federal investigators from the FAA and NTSB will determine the cause of the crash.
Jim Clayton said he is fully cooperating with the investigation. He is a pilot with a current license and is in good standing with the FAA.
“I am very grateful to the emergency personnel who responded so quickly and professionally and to the caring couple on a nearby boat who gave assistance,” Jim Clayton said.
The Knoxville Police Department and Knoxville Rescue Squad assisted in the search.