GREENEVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency said Tuesday it recovered the body of a 32-year-old from a creek that fed into the Nolichucky River in Greeneville, days after the river swelled and historic flooding swept through upper East Tennessee.
The TWRA identified the body as that of Boone McCrary, from Greeneville. In a release, the agency said the body was found by a search team at around 2 p.m. on Oct. 1.
The agency said McCrary, his girlfriend and a Labrador retriever had launched a boat into the river near Bird's Bridge on Friday. The TWRA said the boat was swept into the bridge and capsized, sending its occupants into the water.
Family members said McCrary had gone out onto the water to try to help people. They went to search for him on Tuesday, days after historic flooding devastated upper East Tennessee communities. They were joined by a community member who didn't even know him.
"He was trying to help somebody above the Bird's Bridge area and he didn't realize that the water was rough. He's a great outdoorsman, and he's really the kind of fellow that would do anything to help somebody," said a family member.
Boone's girlfriend was safely rescued. However, McCrary and the dog were swept downstream by the river. The TWRA said the body of the dog was also found by wildlife officers.
"TWRA offers prayers and condolences to McCrary’s family and loved ones. The incident remains under investigation," the agency said in a release.