James Fredrick Orlando Obituary, Death News – The Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office has released the identity of the man who tragically drowned in Norris Lake earlier this week. Authorities confirmed on Wednesday morning that the victim was James Fredrick Orlando, 78, of Morristown, whose body was recovered Tuesday evening in New Tazewell.
The recovery effort was initiated after reports surfaced that a man had fallen from a houseboat late Monday night and had not resurfaced. According to investigators, Orlando drowned after the fall, and search teams began efforts early Tuesday morning to locate his body. At approximately 9 a.m., rescue operations were launched near the Cedar Grove Marina, located off Highway 33 in New Tazewell.
Divers and rescue personnel worked throughout the day, and eventually, Orlando’s body was located in about 60 feet of water, approximately 50 feet from the houseboat from which he had fallen. His body was recovered around 6 p.m. Tuesday evening and transported to Claiborne Hospital, where he was officially pronounced dead.
The recovery was a collaborative effort involving multiple agencies. The Claiborne Rescue Squad led the mission with support from deputies with the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office, along with six divers from the Need-A-Diver team. Additional assistance was provided by rescue squads from Knox County and Blount County, underscoring the large-scale response to the emergency.
While the operation was ultimately successful, it did face challenges. During the effort, one of the Claiborne Rescue Squad’s two vehicles became submerged after being overwhelmed in the water. The incident, while unexpected, did not cause any injuries, and officials later confirmed the truck was fully insured. The accident did not hinder the progress of the recovery mission, which concluded with the safe retrieval of Orlando’s body.
The tragic incident highlights the dangers associated with recreational activities on waterways, particularly involving houseboats and deep-water environments like Norris Lake. At the time of reporting, no additional details were provided regarding the circumstances that led to Orlando’s fall from the boat, though investigators have confirmed drowning as the cause of death.
The Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Claiborne Rescue Squad and other supporting agencies, continues to review the events surrounding the incident. For now, the focus remains on the recovery and the community’s loss of a longtime Morristown resident.
As news of the drowning spread, many in the area expressed condolences for Orlando’s family. The tragedy also served as a reminder of the critical role played by local rescue teams, who often risk their safety in difficult conditions to bring closure to families during such incidents.
Orlando’s death marks a somber event for the Norris Lake community, a popular recreational destination in East Tennessee. Authorities have not indicated any ongoing threat to public safety but encourage those spending time on the water to take necessary precautions to prevent future tragedies.