LINDEN, Tenn. (WSMV) – BREAKING UPDATE: The bodies found in the Tennessee River on Wednesday have been identified. The father was identified as 31-year-old Michael Ryan Tucker, while the child was identified as 4-year-old Michael Allen Tucker.
The investigation is ongoing.
PREVIOUS: The bodies of a child and presumably their father were recovered from the Tennessee River on Wednesday morning in what officials are describing as a sad accident.
Perry County Sheriff Nick Weems said the father and child, believed to be about 4 or 5 years old, went fishing sometime Tuesday evening and fell into the water. The child’s body was found at about 6:45 a.m. at a gravel site near the river off Highway 412, while the man was found at 12:30 p.m.
Their identities have not yet been released pending next-of-kin notification. They were not wearing life vests, according to Weems.
Officials say fishing is not allowed and no trespassing signs are posted in the area, but it’s still a popular area to fish. Deaths have happened there before, Weems said.
The Tennesse Bureau of Investigation is working alongside the Perry County Sheriff’s Office in the investigation. Authorities have emphasized their bodies are not connected to any missing person’s case.
The Decatur County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the recovery of the bodies.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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