Media outlets in Huntsville, Ala., reported Tuesday afternoon that an angler fishing in a weekly tournament at Wheeler Lake near Decatur, Ala., was killed when the bass boat he was in struck a low hanging cable near Finley Island.
According to a story posted on the WAFF-TV website, the victim has been identified as Anthony Szozda, 65, of Limestone County. The driver of the boat, whose identity was not immediately known, was not injured.
WAFF reported that utility crews had been working on the power lines for several days and warnings had been sent out to shipping vessels, but recreational boaters wouldn't have received them. The lines are owned by Tennessee Valley Authority, which issued the following statement about the incident:
"Tuesday's accident was an unusual and unfortunate occurrence. Our thoughts go out to the family of the boater who was killed. We are taking this very seriously and are working closely with the authorities to understand the facts around this event. TVA exercises all appropriate caution when we do our work at all times. The safety of the public, our employees and our partners is our top priority."
