Stutsman County: Tennessee Officer Drowns in Duck Hunting Accident
Stutsman County (trfnews.i234.me) — New details have been released by the Stutsman County Sheriff’s Office regarding the tragic drowning of a Tennessee police officer during a hunting trip in North Dakota.
Authorities say 57-year-old Lieutenant Gordon Gwathney of Knoxville, Tennessee, drowned Sunday morning northwest of Woodworth while duck hunting with three friends. The incident happened about 15 miles northwest of Woodworth in a slough. Conditions were reported as cloudy, with winds between 30 and 40 mph and temperatures around 50 degrees.
According to investigators, Gwathney was using a kayak to retrieve a duck that had been shot when the kayak capsized. He fell into the water and was not wearing a life jacket. He was reportedly wearing waders, which may have made it difficult to stay afloat. One of his friends called 911 after losing sight of him in the water.
Emergency crews arrived and located Gwathney’s body at approximately 9:37 a.m. First responders pulled him from the water and transferred him to an ambulance. Lifesaving measures were performed on scene and during transport to the hospital in Carrington, North Dakota. Despite those efforts, Gwathney was pronounced dead at 10:41 a.m.
The Knoxville Police Department described the loss as “incomprehensible,” noting Gwathney’s long service and dedication to his community. The investigation into the accident remains ongoing.
Officials remind all hunters to use life jackets when entering water, even for brief retrieval efforts. For water safety tips, visit the U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Division.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
