ALEA provides update after drowning at Wheeler Dam

LAWRENCE COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) — The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency has shared an update after a man drowned at the Wheeler Dam Saturday afternoon.

According to the Lawrence County Coroner, 69-year-old Dennis Neal drowned at the Wheeler Dam Boat Ramp.

Documents show the drowning was labeled as an accident and that the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Marine Patrol Division handled the investigation.

ALEA said the incident happened around 2 p.m. Saturday.

The agency said Neal, 44-year-old Timothy Hazelwood and a 14-year-old, all from Lewisburg, Tenn., were onboard the fishing boat. ALEA said the vessel’s trolling motor failed which resulted in the boat being drawn into the Dam’s generators causing it to overturn.

A Trooper with ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division along with members of the Killen Fire Department responded to the scene. The teen and Hazelwood were found in between two of the Dam’s turbines.

While searching for Neal, the agencies said his body was found in the same area as the other two passengers.

ALEA said the following agencies helped in the operation:

  • Killen Fire Department

  • Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office

  • Lawrence County Emergency Medical Services

  • Lawrence County Coroner

  • Red Bank Fire Department

  • Department of Conservation and Natural Resources State Park Rangers from Wheeler Lake

  • ALEA Marine Patrol Troopers

ALEA said no more information is available as the investigation continues.

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