TWRA: 10th boating-related fatality in 2026 occurs in Warren Couty

According to Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency, Corey Blake Phillips, 48, of Manchester died after falling from a boat on the Barren Fork River, prompting a response from TWRA officers, McMinnville Fire Department, and other local emergency crews.

The call went out regarding the fatality just before 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 20, near Rocket Park in McMinnville.

According to reports, Phillips was paddling down the river with two other men when, after a brief stop, he fell out of the boat and became unresponsive. His companions called 911.

Warren County EMS and the Warren County Rescue Squad responded, and Phillips was transported to Ascension Saint Thomas River Park Hospital in McMinnville.

This is the 10th boating-related fatality in 2026.