Cocke County planning search for NC fisherman missing on French Broad River
by: Melissa Greene
Posted: Feb 22, 2023 / 10:15 AM EST
COCKE COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) — Cocke County Swift Water Rescue Team is preparing to join a search to find a man who went missing while going fishing near the state line. Phillip Shelton, 64, disappeared Saturday, Feb. 18, while canoeing the French Broad River in Madison County, North Carolina. His canoe and personal items were recovered along the riverbank Sunday, according to local emergency response teams.
His dog was found running near where Shelton was known to park his car while canoeing, Madison County officials said in a press release. “If this gentleman has made it to our county, we will find him,” said Cocke County Emergency Management in a post on Facebook.
Dallas Burleson, Shelton’s niece, told WATE 6 on Wednesday that more crews are coming to help with search dogs, but nothing else has been found since Shelton’s capsized canoe was recovered. “His boat was found capsized in the Rollins community of Marshall,” Burleson said through social media messages. “We don’t know if he is still in the area or if he could be towards Hot Springs/TN.”
Part of the reason for that confusion is unclear communication on when or if a dam on the river was opened. “We’ve been told that the dam was opened Saturday night (the day he went missing). We’ve been told it was opened at 8:30 Sunday morning and then we were told it wasn’t opened at all until Monday morning,” Burleson said. Burleson also said she believes they found the tracks where Shelton’s dog climbed up the bank out of the water.
While crews search the French Broad River on Wednesday, crews on the Tennessee side of the river will be making plans to help. The Cocke County team plans to launch kayaks above the state line on Thursday and conduct a thorough search of the French Broad, the team said.
Anyone living or working near the river are asked to call 911 if they see Shelton, and to remain on location until authorities arrive.
Body of missing North Carolina fisherman recovered from French Broad River
by: Melissa Greene, WATE.com
Posted: Mar 2, 2023
MARSHALL, North Carolina (WATE) — The search for a North Carolina man who went missing while fishing on the French Broad River ended Wednesday when his body was found by searchers. Philip Shelton, 64, disappeared on Feb. 18 while canoeing in Madison County, North Carolina. First responders on both sides of the state line helped in the search, including several members of Cocke County’s Emergency Management team.
Morgan County officials said Shelton’s body was found by members of the Walnut Fire Department Water Rescue Team around 6 p.m. Wednesday, just below Redmon Dam on the French Broad River in North Carolina.
Dallas Burleson, Shelton’s niece, said the family is sad but grateful. “I just want to thank everyone who has shared, who has took the time out of their day, all of the rescue groups that came out our entire community thank you,” Burleson said.
Dozens of first responders from Cocke County in Tennessee and Buncombe, Cherokee, Henderson and Madison counties in North Carolina searched for Shelton for nearly 2 weeks. Shelton’s backpack, canoe and dog were found along the river the weekend he went missing. Rain complicated search efforts said Cocke County Emergency Management Director and Swift Water Team Leader Joe Esway.
Burleson said while the family was hoping for a better outcome, they’re grateful for those who helped in the search. “I’m going to ask you all for one more favor, please keep my papaw (his brother) in your thoughts these next few days and the rest of the family and his friends,” Burleson said.
