Decatur County man sentenced to 8 years for fatal boating incident on Tennessee River
PRESS RELEASE FROM THE TWRA:
DECATURVILLE, Tenn. — A resident of Decatur County has pled guilty to one count of vehicular homicide by intoxication stemming from a boating incident on the Tennessee River that resulted in one death.
On March 3, 2026, 49-year-old Christopher Overman entered the guilty plea at the Decatur County Courthouse and was sentenced to serve eight years at 100 percent in the Tennessee Department of Corrections.
On April 20, 2025, Overman operated a vessel while impaired that was involved in a boating incident that occurred during the late hours of April 19 and the early hours of April 20, 2025, in Decatur County, Tennessee. This incident resulted in the death of Austin Perry, a resident of Decaturville.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency reminds the public about the dangers of boating under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol is the leading cause of recreational boating deaths. TWRA officers are always on patrol, watching for impaired operators.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving fish and wildlife species for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors. The Agency also maintains public safety through law enforcement and safety education on waterways.
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