Calloway County, KY — At approximately 8:00 AM this morning, multiple local and state agencies resumed search & recovery operations on Kentucky Lake in an effort to locate a missing boater who was reported to have fallen overboard on the morning of June 14th.
At around 2:00 PM today, the Calloway County 911 Communications Center received a call from a fisherman on a boat near the opening of Blood River. The caller reported seeing what he believed to be a body in the water. Emergency responders from Calloway County Fire-Rescue (CCFR), along with resources from the Marshall County Rescue Squad & McCracken County Rescue Squad, immediately responded in boats to the area to investigate & secure the area.
According to the Calloway County Fire & Rescue personnel, “Upon arrival, responders confirmed the discovery of the body of 51-year-old Steve Simpkins. His remains were recovered from the water & transported to shore, where he was released to the care of Calloway County Coroner Ricky Garland. Our department extends our heartfelt condolences to the family & loved ones of Mr. Simpkins. While this is not the outcome any of us hoped for, we are grateful to have been able to bring some measure of closure to his family.”
Calloway County Fire-Rescue wishes to thank the many agencies and individuals who assisted in this two-day search operation. Agencies involved include:
• Calloway County 911 Communications Center
• Marshall County Rescue Squad
• McCracken County Rescue Squad
• Graves County Fire-Rescue
• Calloway County Emergency Management
• McCracken County Emergency Management
• Graves County Emergency Management
• Marshall County Emergency Management
• Kentucky Emergency Management – Area 1
• Calloway County Sheriff’s Office
• Murray-Calloway County EMS
• Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife
• Calloway County Coroner
This successful search & recovery effort is a testament to the strength of our local partnerships and the dedication of all our emergency personnel. We are fortunate to serve a community where so many are willing to respond without hesitation when the call for help comes.
Photo by Marshall County EMA.