Authorities identify Rutherford Co. drowning victim

SMYRNA, Tenn. (WSMV) - Authorities have identified the man who apparently drowned after falling out of his boat near the Stewart Creek Boat Ramp near Smyrna on Sunday.

The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office said Billy Stanford Capps, 62, of Rockvale, died after falling out of the back of his john boat on Sunday afternoon.

Rutherford County Sheriff Sgt. Nick Coble said Capps’ wife, Lisa, said he fell out of the back of the boat and that she attempted to throw him a life jacket.

“She had attempted to throw him a life jacket but he was unable to get it,” Coble said in a news release.

Rutherford County Fire & Rescue and Metro Nashville’s Dive Team responded and searched the area with sonar.

“Firefighters and the dive team had two different hits with the sonar and a dive team was sent in to check it out,” Coble said in a news release. “The dive teams recovered the body.”

Rescuers are searching for a man who toppled off his boat and has not resurfaced today near Stewart’s Creek Boat Ramp on Smyrna Road near Smyrna.
The search is underway with drones, boats and divers.
Emergency works closed the boat ramp while the search continues. pic.twitter.com/Z6QZZEbiut
— RCTNSheriff (@RCTNSheriff) June 19, 2022