Tragedy on Dale Hollow Lake: 35-Year-Old Christopher Berry Killed in Boating Accident During Fishing Trip
CELINA, TENN. — A serene night of fishing on Dale Hollow Reservoir turned tragic early Wednesday morning when a boating accident claimed the life of 35-year-old Christopher Berry, a beloved friend and outdoorsman known for his adventurous spirit and deep love of nature. The incident has left the small town of Celina and surrounding communities in mourning as authorities investigate what went wrong on what was supposed to be a peaceful getaway.
According to a statement released by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), Berry had been camping with a group of close friends along the banks of the picturesque reservoir. At some point during the night, Berry and another individual took their high-performance Allison bass boat out onto the water for a late fishing session—something friends say he often did and thoroughly enjoyed.
The TWRA reported that around 1:30 a.m., dispatchers received an emergency call reporting a boat crash near the Dale Hollow Dam area. First responders, including Clay County deputies, TWRA officers, and EMS units, rushed to the scene. Upon arrival, they found the wreckage of the boat and Berry unresponsive in the water. He was pulled aboard and transported back to the shoreline, where paramedics attempted life-saving measures. Sadly, Berry was pronounced dead at the scene.
Another individual who was on the boat with Berry at the time of the accident was injured and transported to a nearby hospital. Authorities have not released that person’s name or the extent of their injuries but confirmed that they are expected to recover.
Preliminary investigations suggest that speed and limited visibility during the early morning hours may have contributed to the crash. TWRA officials noted that while life jackets were present on the vessel, it remains unclear whether Berry or the other occupant were wearing them at the time of the accident. Alcohol is not currently suspected to be a factor, though toxicology reports are pending.
Berry, a lifelong resident of Middle Tennessee, was known for his warm personality, deep loyalty to his friends and family, and a passion for outdoor activities, particularly fishing and boating. Social media has since filled with tributes to Berry, with friends remembering him as “the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back” and “a brother to many.”
“He wasn’t just a fishing buddy. He was family,” said longtime friend Mark Elmore, who was part of the camping trip. “This was supposed to be our weekend to relax, unwind, and enjoy what we all loved most. Now, we’re trying to make sense of the fact that he’s gone.”
The TWRA is continuing its investigation into the accident and will work with local law enforcement and marine safety experts to reconstruct the events leading up to the crash. The wrecked boat was recovered from the lake Thursday morning and is undergoing a mechanical inspection to determine if any equipment failure may have played a role.
Dale Hollow Reservoir, straddling the Tennessee-Kentucky border, is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and outdoor recreation. While considered relatively safe, TWRA officials say this accident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of boater safety—especially at night when visibility is limited.
“This is a tragic loss, and our thoughts are with Mr. Berry’s loved ones,” said TWRA Officer Caleb Thomas. “We encourage everyone to exercise extreme caution on the water, wear life jackets, and avoid nighttime operation unless absolutely necessary.”
A memorial service for Christopher Berry is expected to be announced in the coming days, with family members asking for privacy as they grieve the sudden and devastating loss.
As the sun sets over the reservoir that claimed his life, friends say they will remember Berry most not for the way he died, but for the life he lived—full of laughter, generosity, and a deep love for Tennessee’s lakes and wild places.