As the nation gears up for celebratory fireworks and family gatherings this Fourth of July, a somber note is struck in the hearts of the Wasden and Catlett families. They share a tragic commonality—a holiday weekend marred forever by boating accidents that claimed the lives of their young children. In separate instances in July of 2023, both families endured the unspeakable loss that has since propelled them to urge boaters to prioritize safety and sobriety on the water.
Fourteen-year-old Sunni Wasden's life was cut short when she was struck by a boat at Lake Pleasant, as reported by ABC15. Her father, Blake Wasden, recounted the harrowing moment, stating, "I heard Sunni scream for me when I was out in the water. Shortly after that, when I swam back to her, I swam into the worst experience I think anyone could swim into." Despite the family's experience and safety measures, this accident highlights the inherent risks associated with even the most cautious water activities.
Meanwhile, the Catletts suffered their own loss on Norris Lake, where 12-year-old Conner was killed while tubing—a leisurely pastime turned fatal by the actions of an impaired boater. Echoing the gravity of responsible boating, Conner's father, Chris Catlett, told WBIR, “Don’t be out there three times over the limit, running up and down the lake. You crush a family by making one stupid decision.”
Amidst planning for merriment, the Wasdens have created the "Lost Child Podcast," helping the community understand the enduring impacts of losing a child—a testament to their desire to foster a legacy of safety in the wake of tragedy. And as the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency boosts its “Operation Dry Water” efforts, it's a poignant reminder that the repercussions of drunken boating extend far beyond the wheel.
"There's zero excuse. If you’re gonna drink on the water, have a sober operator. It’s so simple," said Catlett, capturing the frustration and solemn resolve that now drives their advocacy following the loss that came as the result of one individual's reckless decision to operate a boat under the influence, according to WBIR.
