News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Clay County authorities have identified the man presumed to have drowned near Dale Hollow Reservoir Wednesday.
Sheriff Brandon Boone has identified the victim as 52-year-old Sammy Bilyeu of Gainesboro.
According to EMA Director Natalie Boone, Bilyeu went under water and never resurfaced after being thrown from a jet ski.
“The story that we got from the witnesses who were with him stated that he hit a wave from another boat that had come through,” Boone said. “He hit that wave and it threw him off.”
According to witnesses, the Bilyeu was wearing a life jacket until it fell off moments before the accident occurred.
Bilyeu’s body has not been recovered. Search efforts are continuing today with a larger search effort planned for Saturday.
According to Sheriff Boone, Bilyeu is the owner of Sammy’s One Stop Market on North Grundy Quarles Highway in Gainesboro.
