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⚠️ Tragedy at Billy Dunlop Park: A Stark Reminder
- enlavozlatina
- May 18
- 2 min read
On Sunday, May 18, 2025, a serene afternoon at Billy Dunlop Park in Clarksville, Tennessee, turned into a distressing event when a 12-year-old boy went missing in the river. Around 1:45 p.m., emergency services, including the Clarksville Police Department, Clarksville Fire Rescue, and Montgomery County EMS, responded to the scene after the boy's father reported him missing. The child was last seen in the river, prompting an immediate water rescue operation. As a precaution, authorities closed Billy Dunlop Park, Robert Clark Park, and the Blueway until further notice.
Sadly, this isn’t the first time tragedy has struck these waters. In recent years, several lives have been lost in those same waters, leaving painful marks on our community. On June 2022: 19-year-old Greyson Cairo-Ashton Townsend drowned while swimming in the river at Billy Dunlop Park. His disappearance led to an intense search, and his body was recovered the following day. The incident shook the local community and served as a chilling wake-up call about the river’s hidden dangers. Also on September 2022: Just a few months later, 20-year-old Specialist Jabori McGraw, a Fort Campbell soldier, lost his life in the same waters. Despite being physically fit and trained, the unpredictable conditions of the river proved fatal. His body was recovered by Montgomery County EMS divers.
And now, in May 2025, another family faces unimaginable fear and heartbreak.
Natural bodies of water like the Red River may appear calm on the surface but conceal strong undercurrents, sudden drop-offs, debris, and shifting terrain underneath. Unlike pools, rivers have no lifeguards, no clearly marked depths, and no controlled environments.
Even experienced swimmers can quickly find themselves in trouble.
How to Stay Safe:
Always supervise children near water. No exceptions.
Wear life jackets when swimming in natural waterways, especially for kids or inexperienced swimmers.
Never swim alone.
Avoid alcohol when swimming or supervising swimmers.
Learn CPR. It can make the difference between life and death in those critical minutes before help arrives.
Respect park closures and warnings. They exist for a reason.
Our hearts go out to the families affected by these tragedies. As a community, we must learn from these painful moments and prioritize safety when enjoying our rivers, creeks, and lakes. No day at the park is worth a life. If you visit Billy Dunlop Park — or any natural waterway — stay alert, stay safe, and remind others to do the same. Let’s make sure our community’s favorite spots remain places of joy, not sorrow.
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Two points from your safety tips deserve extra attention. First, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency requires personal flotation devices for each occupant of a boat, which must be worn by those 12 and younger. Second, avoidance of alcohol while boating is more than a helpful suggestion. Tennessee laws related to Boating Under the Influence include a 48-hour consecutive sentence in county jail for a first offense conviction.
Floating and paddling are two of the most wholesome and enjoyable summer activities in Middle Tennessee. Following good practices of water safety and practice good discipline against the hazards prevent turning a relaxing day on the water into a tragedy. Thanks for your article.