Teen Dies in Tragic Boating Accident in Decatur County on Easter Morning
A tragic accident unfolded in Decatur County, Tennessee, on Easter Sunday, claiming the life of a young man and leaving a community in mourning. Early that morning, officers with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) responded to reports of a serious boating accident. The incident took place in the Bath Springs area, a quiet and scenic part of the county often visited for its waterways and outdoor appeal.
According to the preliminary findings from authorities, 19-year-old Austin Perry, a resident of Bath Springs, was involved in the accident while aboard a boat with three other individuals. At some point during the outing, Perry left the boat and suffered critical injuries, leading to the devastating outcome. The accident was reported in the vicinity of Eagles Nest Lane, an area known for recreational boating and close-knit riverfront homes.
Officials have not yet released further details about the exact circumstances that led to Perry’s injuries. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency continues to investigate the event to determine what exactly happened and whether any safety protocols were breached or unforeseen hazards were present. As the investigation remains open, the agency is working to gather statements from those present and piece together the timeline of events.
This heartbreaking incident marks the fourth boating-related fatality in Tennessee for the year. The growing number of such accidents has brought increased attention to water safety across the state. It’s a somber reminder of how quickly joy and celebration—such as that surrounding Easter weekend—can turn into grief when tragedy strikes in the outdoors.
As family, friends, and local residents process the loss, the community of Bath Springs is left grappling with the sudden departure of a young life. Austin Perry’s passing is not just a statistic; it’s a deeply personal loss for those who knew him. The incident has prompted renewed conversations around boating safety and the importance of vigilance on Tennessee’s waterways.
