Autopsy shows swimmer likely died after being struck by a boat

Autopsy results revealed a swimmer who went missing May 15 at Tellico Lake likely died after being struck by a boat.

Friday morning, Loudon County authorities recovered the body of Michael Carnock Sr., 55, of Maryland, who went missing between 10:45 and 11:30 a.m. during a swim May 15.

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency spokesman Matthew Cameron said it is unusual for someone to be hit by a boat, and authorities were looking for people with knowledge of the incident.

“We feel it’s likely that someone may know about what happened in this situation,” Cameron said.

He added that Carnock probably was struck by a boat with an engine on it. He said Carnock was likely visible, but with floating debris from floods, it is possible a boater may have struck him while distracted.

Carnock’s oldest son, Michael Carnock Jr., said his father was a beloved Sunday school teacher, with three sons and one daughter.

“He just meant the world to so many people,” Carnock said at Tellico Dam on Saturday.

“It’s been about two and a half weeks of total heartache. We know that dad’s at peace now, but the family is not at peace yet. We just want to know.”

Carnock said his family believes in “the good people of Tennessee,” and they are hoping someone comes forward with information on the incident.

“I know my father has already forgiven them,” he said. “I don’t think it would be easy, but his whole family would follow that.”

Loudon County has opened an investigation into Carnock’s death and asks anyone with information about the incident call 1-800-831-1174.