Flipped over boat in reservoir leads to discovery of a body, NC searchers say

An overturned fishing boat found adrift in North Carolina’s Tuckertown Reservoir led to the discovery of a body, according to first responders.

It happened around 10 a.m. Sunday in the Richfield area of the sprawling waterway.

“Wildlife Officers received a call ... indicating there was a capsized jon boat at the mouth of Cabin Creek on Tuckertown Reservoir,” the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission told The Charlotte Observer.

“First Responders attempted to locate the capsized vessel. While searching for the vessel, first responders learned that a nearby fisherman had located a body in the water.”

The angler has been identified as Justin Michael Goodman of Rowan County, officials said. His body was found about “50 feet away from the vessel.”

A cause of death has not been released.

“The circumstances that lead the vessel to capsize are still under investigation at this time,” the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission said.

Family members noted in a social media post that Goodman was out fishing with the family dog, and they are still searching for the dog.

Tuckertown Reservoir covers about 2,500-acres, and is about a 50-mile drive northeast from downtown Charlotte.

This story was originally published April 20, 2026 at 5:42 AM with the headline "Flipped over boat in reservoir leads to discovery of a body, NC searchers say."