Authorities say a Maryland swimmer who went missing in Tellico Lake was struck by a boat

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) - TWRA said the autopsy of Michael Carnock, Sr., a Maryland swimmer who went missing on Tellico Lake, revealed evidence consistent with being struck by a boat.

After a two week search, the family of a swimmer who went missing in Tellico Lake confirmed his body was found Friday morning.

Michael Carnock went missing after going swimming in Tellico Lake on May 15, a subsequent search effort was unsuccessful. On Friday afternoon. the family confirmed via social media that his body had been recovered. 

TWRA says Carnock was likely struck by a boat between 10:45 - 11 a.m in the Tennessee River. TWRA is asking anyone who was on the river May 15 between that time and believes they may have hit something in the water to come forward. Anyone with any information is asked to call TWRA at 1-800-831-1174.

A $5,000 reward had been offered by the family of the Maryland man who went missing in Tellico Lake on May 15.

Loudon County Chief Deputy Jimmy Davis says the last time Carnock was last seen in the water swimming around the island in Tellico Lake wearing a full body suit with an orange swim cap. Nearby residents saw him swimming and say he didn't seem distressed.

Family members told deputies Carnock, who was visiting family and friends in East Tennessee, is an avid swimmer who competed in triathlons.

Authorities found his belongings on a nearby dock, including clothes and a cell phone. They thought he might have gone to explore caves in the area. However, the caves were searched and cleared with no sign of the missing man. The island was also searched, but with no luck. 

The search turned into a recovery effort but was ultimately suspended by authorities. 

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6/4/18