Branson Man Drowns After Jon Boat Capsizes On Lake Taneycomo

TANEY COUNTY, Mo. — A man from Branson drowned early Monday morning on Lake Taneycomo near Point 13. 

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the 46-year-old was operating a 14-foot jon boat shortly after 1 a.m., Oct. 12. The report says the weight in the vessel was unevenly distributed, causing it to take on water before capsizing.

All occupants were thrown from the boat. The report lists only the driver, who began struggling to swim and went under the water.

The man was reportedly not wearing a life jacket. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 2:08 a.m., and his body was released to Cremation of the Ozarks.

The Branson Fire Department assisted at the scene and recovered the jon boat.

This is the fifth boating fatality of the year for Troop D, which serves 18 counties in southwest Missouri and is headquartered in Springfield.