(PERCY PRIEST LAKE) The second male to drown over the Memorial Day weekend has been identified as Yeu Thach, owner of the Donut Palace in Hermitage, TN. The eatery was a small family business, where Thach was known to always aim to bring joy to others while also being involved in the community.
This past Saturday (05/27/2023), Thach decided to enjoy family time with his kids on Percy Priest Lake. He was playing in the water with his family around 3:15 PM when he went under and never resurfaced. Search crews recovered his body the following day around 12:20PM on Sunday afternoon (05/28/2023).
Friends have set-up a Go Fund Me account to help the family with funeral and other expenses during this time of sadness. According to the Go Fund Me page set up for the Thach family, "The family had to close down their small family business, Donut Palace, until further notice. Yeu was a hard working man dedicated to providing for his family." As of Tuesday (05/30/2023) morning at 7AM, nearly $11,000 had been raised for the Thach family.
The first male to drown in Percy Priest Lake over the weekend was a 17-year-old who disappeared while swimming near the Anderson Road Recreation Area on Thursday (05/25/2023). His body was located by divers at 7:00PM Friday night (05/26/2023).
TWRA Water Safety - The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) warns that area lakes and rivers are fun, but they are also sources of unintentional injury or drowning. For more information, visit the CDC website on Safe Boating or Commercial Fishing Safety.
Tips for Staying Safe
- Always wear a life jacket
- Take a course on boating safety
- Avoid drinking alcohol while participating in water sports
- Understand the risks of carbon monoxide
- Schedule a Vessel Safety Check (VSC)
- Monitor for dangerous changes in weather
- Never go on the water alone
Life Jackets/Safety - Life jackets help prevent accidental drowning and keep you safe from unintentional injuries. They should always be approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, suitable for the size and weight of the wearer, appropriate for the activity, and always inspected for tears or other malfunctions before use. To read more about life jackets, visit the U.S. Coast Guard or American Red Cross website.
