Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency game wardens located the body of Richard Kitts, 57, of Maryville, Wednesday morning on Tellico Lake, one week after he was first reported missing.

Mr. Kitts was located during a targeted shoreline search at about 7:45 a.m. in the main channel off Citico Boat Ramp and was recovered by members of the Blount County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) Special Operations Team at approximately 10:30 a.m.

TWRA initially launched a full search effort Aug. 12 after being notified at about 1:40 p.m. of a possible missing person near the Tallassee Access Area along Highway 129. Responding TWRA game wardens determined that Mr. Kitts had left his residence the previous night around 8 p.m. and planned to kayak on Tellico Lake. His vehicle was located at the access area during the initial response.

Later that day, the search expanded when a boater discovered Mr. Kitts’ kayak and paddle adrift approximately one mile downstream from the access area, just below Chilhowee Dam. Personal belongings were found inside the kayak. TWRA game wardens began immediate shoreline and island searches.

In the days following the initial report, TWRA coordinated an extensive multiagency search effort involving BCSO, the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), Tellico Boaters Assistance Response Team, Knox County Rescue Squad and several local volunteer organizations. Search methods included shoreline searches, foot searches of nearby islands, aerial surveys and water-based searches using visual sweeps and side-scan sonar. THP’s aviation unit and multiple drone teams assisted in covering the remote area, where radio and cellular service are limited.

On Saturday, CAM SAR, a volunteer organization equipped with remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and towfish scanning technology, supported deep-water search operations. Multiple teams scanned areas extending upstream toward Chilhowee Dam and approximately two miles downstream of the access area. Community volunteers, including some from out of state, also spent hours searching shallow shoreline areas using paddle craft.

Search operations had recently shifted to twice-daily targeted searches. During one of these searches Wednesday morning, TWRA located Mr. Kitts’ body. The Blount County Sheriff’s Office and local responders assisted with recovery operations. The investigation remains ongoing, and Mr. Kitts’ body has been transported for examination.

TWRA extends its prayers and condolences to the family and friends of Richard Kitts and thanks all partner agencies and volunteer organizations who contributed to the weeklong search effort.

This incident marks the 13th fatal boating incident on Tennessee waters this year.