By. Alexis Hill, Intern
One person was killed Tuesday following a personal watercraft collision on Tims Ford Lake, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
Emergency crews were dispatched to the area near the Tims Ford Bass Club after reports of a possible drowning. When first responders arrived, two boaters had already brought the victim to shore, where the individual was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, which is leading the investigation, said preliminary findings indicate the incident involved two personal watercraft operating near the bass club boat ramp.
Authorities identified the operators as Christopher Bontrager, 41, of Missouri, and John Prater, 41, of Tracy City, Tennessee. According to TWRA, each man was operating a separate personal watercraft when the collision occurred.
Prater was transported to Highpoint Health in Winchester for treatment of his injuries. Bontrager was pronounced dead at the scene.
The incident marks the 12th boating-related fatality on Tennessee waterways in 2026, according to TWRA.
The cause of the collision has not been released, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Assisting at the scene were the Winchester Police Department, Winchester Fire Department, Priority Ambulance Service and the Franklin County Rescue Squad.
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