Woman Killed in Fishing Tournament

[@SteveDavis-tc5cp]

Thoughts and prayers from Western North Carolina to everyone involved.

[@Ken-w5g]

So sad ! Praying for all involved !

[@dankimbrough2411]

Very heartbreaking. Prayers for all involved but especially for the families touched by this tragedy. Be safe always.

[@TrilogyOutdoorsMedia]

Dang!! That is so terrible Praying for the family!!!!

[@rickvititoe3814]

Very sad. Prayers for all involved

[@John-k2o9r]

So tragic. My heart breaks for the child involved. We are all one heartbeat from eternity. Prayers. ✝️

[@micheltremblay4774]

Thanks Dieter for the coverage and the future update. Take care.

[@rodneyharris3265]

So sorry for the family members and everyone in the tournament. So tragic.

[@BluecollarBackcountry]

I'm in Texas and this happened to three men on Lake Whitney years ago. One was found tied to the boat, one drowned upon reaching the bank of an island, and the third froze to death on the Island. Please, take nothing for granted and be prepared for the worst when out in this weather. ✌

[@PatriciaChildress-y6s]

Just one correction.... one of the three men survived on the island and was rescued by helicopter. He was flown to the hospital in Clifton, Tx. I was the on duty officer and met the copter at the pad when it arrived. It was tragic that one of the men died in 6 inches of water on the shore of the island and the other died after tying himself to the boat after it got swamped by ice build up on the hull.

[@BluecollarBackcountry]

Yes, you are correct. Its been a long time. I lived on FM 156 not far from Lake side Village when this happened. The one tied to the boat knew he couldn't swim according to the survivor

[@buckinthetree1233]

It's amazing that so many people that live this close to me are watching this video. I live less than 20 minutes away from where that accident occurred. One of the men involved in the accident was the uncle of a good friend of mine.

[@raygissendanner1476]

Thank you for the information sorry to hear such a heartbreaking story prays for the family and friends

[@baneverything5580]

My uncle drove a landing craft on D-day and survived multiple landings before his vessel was hit and he even survived that and after being declared missing for weeks he took a boat in a river and made it out to sea to be rescued. But he had run his catfish nets one morning in Louisiana and his boat got away from him at the launch on a cold winter day. He apparently went into the water (his wallet and keys were on the bank) to attempt to retrieve his boat and the sudden cold caused a heart attack.

[@floydmayes4924]

People don't realize how dangerous that cold water is!

[@james76gore48]

Thanks for the content. Prayers to the family. 🙏🙏

[@JerseycatsFishing]

It was a 18ft boat loaded down with 4 people and a full 50gal tank with full gear on board. The boat was already riding way too low at the start of the tournament and another boat passed by which swamped the victims boat with a wave. Nothing to do with weather. Sounds like it was bad judgement.

[@ImionsaeXwb77]

That's crazy cause I did that when i use to fish the Oakwood striper Tournament, 17.5 bass tracker boat, 4 dude and a 30 gallon bait tank....

[@JerseycatsFishing]

@@ImionsaeXwb77they quite possibly also had a second tank for holding the fish for weigh in as well.

[@909reddog]

Horrific development, but thank you for passing this along. Prayers for the families and fellow anglers that have lost a colleague

[@VonBluesman]

Years ago during a bass tournament on Toledo Bend some people got killed by the other boaters running over them at the shotgun start of the tournament. They immediately resorted to releasing only X amount of boats at a time in 5 minute segments. R.I.P. 🙏

[@johniecornett8975]

My God, such a tragedy our hearts and prayers are certainly with that family, and all those that are affected such a thing

[@jeffsmith350]

If you find out how the boat sank ,please let us know.

[@DieterMelhorn]

Yes Jeff, these tragedies always concern me and force me to go over ways to prevent it from happening....

[@oe542]

Water entered the hull

[@andrewbrowning-gm7nd]

Spear a wave ?

[@Rubio_Eric]

I was wondering the same. Maybe a stump...

[@rpb1961]

Always wear my dry suit in winter. 800.00 life insurance

[@ronaldburnett3078]

That’s awful praying for family thanks deiter for your input and information on what to do and not to do and sharing preparedness is learned from people like you sir

[@carlericpickett597]

Sending prayers for the family.

[@d.t.4523]

Thank you, and keep working.

[@fishlovme]

Tragic! Here in the north this time of year we lose a couple of people a year, it seems, to people falling through the ice. Dying due to hypothermia, whether bailing on a boat that's sinking or falling through the ice is just tragic! My prayers go out to the family!

[@Logsandhogs]

My heart breaks for those people

[@mikeingeorgia1]

This is terrible. I was outside in the cold today on land. I couldn’t imagine how bad it would be falling into the water in these temps. I’d like to hear how they signaled that they needed help and how long it took for it to arrive. When you’re in these tournaments, do y’all utilize marine band radios to call each other for help if needed?

[@jeffsmith350]

Prayers for the family

[@mickysmithiii1213]

Deiter, I can tell this affects you deeply. My prayers go out to all the folks involved in this. Stay safe All

[@DieterMelhorn]

It’s just shocking that the very tournament I mentioned in the podcast on Friday about postponing a tournament due to weather in the one where someone is killed. Shocking….totally shocking.

[@TaterFarm]

Our deepest condolences and prayers for her family, friends, other participants and community!

[@JerseycatsFishing]

We’ve fished this tournament in the past in much worse conditions and cold than what was taking place this day.

[@KirkAllenOutdoorAdventures]

Terrible news. My heart goes out to all involved. I subscribed for updates.

[@DBCooper71]

Geez. Just awful. I do know from time to time that people do forget to put the plug in the back of the boat. Happens way more often than you think. And what happens is that you don’t realize rt away that water is coming into the hull of the boat until you are out on the water. And then things happen very fast, and it can be too late. If you are able to get the boat running, you just gun it full throttle to the nearest shore line you can get to with the bilge running, and just beach the boat if possible.

[@TWC6724]

I don’t know why they can’t invent a plug that is attach to a mechanical device that can be activated by a switch inside the boat to open or close. Seems like it wouldn’t be that hard to invent.

[@eddiegoodman9267]

Prayers 🙏🙏🙏

[@julielefler9747]

Prayers to the family and friends.

[@staceywarren2732]

Prayers for the families.

[@robertsuter2474]

so sorry for this loss,i will pray for their family,truly nothing more i can do.

[@azbassman352]

Very sad news. Prayers to the family.

[@wildturkey8752]

Prayers for the family and friends.

[@WilliamSims-yf5wq]

Prayers for all involved sad.

[@KatchNCatz3650]

Yea you was just talking about this scenario yesterday its sad for sure :(

[@DieterMelhorn]

Yes, and I even mentioned this exact tournament….very tragic.

[@maryebare1313]

Prayers 🙏

[@raymaylone8563]

Prayers to all

[@conrailfan6277]

Sorry to hear that Dieter, My Condolences to all involved!!!

[@shannonherb2048]

So sad😢

[@emersonromine6042]

I lived in Easley SC and there is drowning all the time in Hartwell and keowee all the time and it don't make sense.

[@grantclarkson9184]

Very sad. My sincerest condolences go out to all.

[@cecilpratt2925]

Sorry to here that prayers to the family

[@FishingWithKeidra]

Praying for that family.

[@paulmiller676]

Prayers for the family 🙏

[@bobbynewton9247]

So sad God Bless the family and friends! Everyone be safe!!

[@eddiegoodman9267]

Thanks for the update and views 🇺🇲

[@egschreib4795]

Sad news but thank you for keeping us informed. Prayers to all those involved.

[@DieterMelhorn]

It’s a terrible story all around….

[@CJNG5903]

Such sad news to hear. My heart and Prayers go out to the families. 😢

[@kellymcclendon6601]

Lord mighty. What in the world were they out in this weather? Insane.

[@DieterMelhorn]

There were many boats in this tournament….

[@mrtcward]

It is crazy..way too many good days to fish than to fish when it’s 20 degrees…

[@TCK-9]

People want to win, and tournament organizers are very reluctant to shut down a tournament for a lot of reasons which usually revolve around money and scheduling. I fished walleye and smallmouth tournaments in the Midwest for many years and only once saw one day of a walleye tourney get cancelled once. It was in N.Dakota and we woke up to temps in the 30's F with sustained high winds and they only called the day off because of the wind as the next day we froze our tails off in those same temps.

[@OhioRiverPirates]

Some people enjoy the challenge of fishing in really bad conditions, like myself. I guess some of us are a little insane but we just love to fish!

[@DieterMelhorn]

@@OhioRiverPirates I'm as guilty as anyone......

[@jameslovelace8958]

Prayers for the family !

[@chrism2042]

I used to go striper fishing on Smith Mountain Lake in below freezing temps, and many times alone. I look back now and think how things could have went wrong very fast throwing a 10' cast net off the front deck.

[@DieterMelhorn]

Ya, this story really makes me think and ponder things…..

[@scottreece2421]

Its crazy how age changes your outlook on safety. I think about things now that would have never crossed my mind 20 years ago..

[@DieterMelhorn]

Well@ , if you’re like me, you’ve seen how a lot of people die by making little mistakes that are compounded in bad situations, and you get wise.

[@chrism2042]

@@DieterMelhorn - Absolutely! Now in my mid-50's, 20 years ago I was striper fishing this time of year wearing all winter gear and throwing a cast net off front deck, break of daylighting, freezing temps and not a person or boat in sight. Now wiser, if I go during the winter months I stay down in the boat when throwing the net. I never go fishing alone without wearing a PFD. I now saltwater fish 98% of the time. Previously went trolling alone, not the best idea! But now with the MOB switch, it's a must have when trolling alone. With remote clipped onto PFD, if you hit the water, the engine is shut down, instead of floating in the water watching your boat drive away. Age and reality are valuable learning tools!

[@gardenhawk]

Love and prayers sent for family and friends💝🙏💝🙏💝🙏

[@scottperez2770]

Prayers and condolences to the family 🙏🏼

[@staceyhaslett9888]

Very sad praying for the family

[@anchormanagement5107]

I fish with these guys and they run an absolutely great trail. All the staff are phenomenal individuals. My thoughts and prayers are with all those involved. I’ve been boating a long time. It only takes 1 mistake in good weather let alone the temps and wind we had Saturday. Be careful guys!!

[@DieterMelhorn]

Well said!

[@todaysvoice68]

Condolences to the family of the victim. As a fellow fishing addict, I have had my close calls too when going out when it may have been a wiser choice to stay inside that day. This is a tragedy born of a love for the sport and I pray the family rests at ease knowing that she was only pursuing her passion. Let her legacy be one of respectful contemplation next time we are questioning going out on a stormy day. If her memory saves lives, this I hope will be a comfort to the family.

[@TCK-9]

I'm surprised this hasn't happened more often. I've fished a lot of walleye tournaments in the Midwest over the years in cold sketchy weather but only saw near disaster once on Lake Erie when the weather went bad and we had cold temps, high winds, and big waves where multiple boats broke down with significant breakage and had to be helped in along with one boat spearing a wave and filling full of water, and another fiberglass hull splitting in half. Nobody was significantly injured though. Rarely do the organizers shut a day down though as they and the fisherman have so much time and money invested in the contest to consider calling it off despite safety issues.

[@keithmcmahan4393]

TERRIBLE TRAGEDY, GOD PLEASE TOUCH THE FAMILY ! ! !

[@stevenmiller7964]

Horrific and tragic. I feel for the Families involved. I cannot believe a 7 year old boy was put at risk though. Wow

[@richwood8650]

Condolences. I spent 4 hours in 52 degree water before I was rescued. One of three of us didn't make it. If the weather says no. Listen. Please.

[@DieterMelhorn]

I can’t imagine that hell….

[@jmac5374]

That is horrible news and many prayers for the family. That said, please have enough sense to take care of you and yours. I’m so sorry for the lady that passed away. But there was also a 7 year old out there that could have passed also. It’s only fishing people. Why would you put people in danger. If they don’t have the good sense to cancel the tournament, have the sense to stay at home.

[@jackfish9541]

Condolences to the family.

[@brakemadness]

In the winter I always have an extra set of winter clothes in a military grade waterproof bag that floats. It sits right in front of my feet under my console.

[@Jake-ky9ed]

And at least three easy ways to get a fire going on my person

[@brakemadness]

@ I have a fire kit also. I have a sleeping bag, sleeping pad and a jet boil with a freeze dried meal. Sometimes I fish late and don’t feel like driving home. Just stay out the rest of the night.

[@Jake-ky9ed]

@ I’m same way, fish a lot by self in backwoods places like to know I can hang out at least a night - cheers man

[@mitchellhensley537]

Praying for the family

[@farmermiyagi1338]

Prayers to the family. I don't even bank fish in inclement weather. Sad day for the community.

[@markmeier4206]

Prays and condolences to all

[@cgms310]

Heartbreaking 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@walkaboutclive]

Wow … what a tragedy…. Would like to know more of what happened ..

[@davidmccartney7577]

🙏🏻 for all involved🙏🏻 Now, “Please” 🛑, all lives matter but the headlines make people think “Tournament” not local family fishing tournament.

[@Megellin]

I had a close call a few years back in a really old aluminum boat that didn't have (more than likely predated the existence of) a bulge pump. Two really huge storm cells came up on me at the same time when I was fishing a long way from any of the ramps and shoreline. (really big lake. Guntersville) Long story short I was so scared by that I have not trusted that boat to go fishing in since then. I go fishing all the time in the big fiberglass bass boat I bought later on though, but I made sure both bilge pumps on it work before I even took it out the first time, and I check them at least 2 times a season. (Other factors were my boat motor even stopped running at one point, probably the huge waves crashing over the sides splashing the battery or something. I even had to dump my cooler out and use it to bail and sit at the very front of the boat to keep the back end from sinking. Wasn't a fun trip I thanked god the moment I hit the ramp/litterally hit the ramp because didn't want it to sink.) That said I feel for that family knowing how scary it can be just having a close call I don't even want to know how much worse their experience was.

[@jeremystory6981]

Thank you great video good facts

[@TravisDoesKayakFishing]

I love my home lake but it can be brutal and unforgiving in the cold.

[@Bigcountry-n1w]

My live well pump froze up one winter and busted,you wouldn’t believe the water I was taking on.

[@DieterMelhorn]

Yes sir…it’s amazing how much water can pour into a boat…

[@Patrick_Garrett]

Tournament directors don't take these things seriously. This is a big issue with tournament ethics. Under no circumstances should that tournament have blasted off given the alerts and forecast. Unnecessary casualty.

[@chaspruitt2610]

RIP... 🙏🏼💜

[@timothymcvay7286]

Praying for the family may she rest in peace 🙏

[@johnkilgore1055]

Four people in a boat? Doesn’t sound like they were part of the tournament. It sounds like the boat likely capsized due to heavy waves on the east side of the lake (S.Carolina). Possibly overloaded with four people. Not nearly enough information.

[@DieterMelhorn]

Yes, they were part of the tournament. Yes, very little information earlier today, but more has unfolded.

[@FishOnIsMyHandle]

I saw where Iowa had an ice fisherman die yesterday too. Think they said "Badger Lake?" not sure

[@DieterMelhorn]

That is terrible....I can't imagine falling through the ice....

[@Njfishingmaniac]

That is a shame…..best wishes to the family. Thanks Dieter for letting us know…. I am in New Jersey, but catfish community is country wide.

[@DieterMelhorn]

Yes, the fishing community if small….you may not know the person, but you probably know someone that does.

[@SammysBaits]

So very sad.

[@KenSteele-d4g]

Prays for all

[@tommeboy3334]

So what happened with the flotation that is supposed to be in the boat? It is supposed to be enough to float the boat if completely filled. I would be checking into the Coast Guard certification of the boat.

[@andybales7318]

Depends what kind of boat

[@sammylacks4937]

I've watched and enjoyed your videos so here's a like and sub. Thank you for your information.

[@DieterMelhorn]

Thanks for the sub!

[@merrittwentz6900]

Four fishermen were out on a lake at Sadlers Creek State Park Saturday morning for a private striped bass fishing tournament when their boat began to sink, officials said. According to officials, the people on board called to the tournament’s staff members for help, alerting first responders. Anderson County Emergency Management, Dive teams, EMS, Fire and Uniform Patrol responded to the scene around 9:40 a.m. on Saturday. EMS declared three of the four people okay at the scene, but first responders had to perform CPR on the fourth woman, and she was taken to AnMed hospital, officials said. The Anderson County coroner later confirmed that the woman passed away at 11:47 a.m. and identified her as Kimberely Gomillion, 25, from Aiken. According to the coroner, Gomillion died due to freshwater drowning and her death has been ruled as accidental. The coroner said the investigation indicates Gomillion was with her boyfriend and his family participating in a fishing tournament called the “Stripe Bass Challenge” on Lake Hartwell. The boat began to take on water due to strong winds, causing the boat to sink. The coroner said all four victims were thrown into the water approximately 300 feet from the shoreline, with one victim swimming to shore, two being assisted by another boat, and Gomillion located just off the shoreline in the water. “It appears the victims were in the water for approximately 10-20 minutes prior to rescue,” the coroner said. According to the coroner, this is the first death related to fishing tournaments on Lake Hartwell in Anderson County.

[@DieterMelhorn]

Thanks….this helps the SEO for this video. 👍👍👏👏

[@krdpoutdoors]

my condolence for their ohana. extremely distressing

[@Rdizil-ox1ye]

I have a older boat iv went out and forgot to put in the plug and I think I am afraid to go some places to fish my gf can't swim so I get nervous taking her we wear our jacket but it can be dangerous i misjudged some strong wind recently and nearly went over im considering just sticking to the bank fishing

[@rdecook651]

so sad.

[@WaynJul]

You wouldn't think you could die so quickly. 😢

[@DieterMelhorn]

Hypothermia increases exponentially for every 5 degrees you dip below a 95 degree body temperature….

[@AEStudt]

Prayers for all there Dieter 🙏

[@jackm6307]

Awful...drowning or hyperthermia?

[@weslovell815]

Cold water fishing since late 90's.... one day it occurred no one could survive shivering on the bank in low temps... since then I have a number of gallon ziplocks full of drier lint/can of lighter fluid/2 lighters... might catch woods on fire but we'll dry out/survive.... often fish the remote lake Hartwell backs up to on the Tugalo River (GA) side ... Hartwell temp near 40° at the moment.... very dangerous...

[@BillWilder-t9e]

I live close to Tugaloo State Park sad to hear about this always make sure you put your drain plug in and have a good automatic bilge pump set up there is no good reason a boat should sink fast enough to cause fatalities on a lake.Also if your the captain of a vessel that is taking on water run the thing aground at the closest shoreline. My condolence to the lady who passed away and I hope the other three make it out of the hospital also very tragic. Usually people that die from hypothermia are victims of falling off the boat also so make sure you have a boarding ladder so if you fall out you can get back onboard quickly and carry a emergency space blanket and some instant pack heaters or a small hand warmer type heater I also carry kindling and a magnesium fire starter with my emergency blanket in a gallon zip-lock bag so if you can make it to shore you can build a fire quickly. I imagine this boats sinking was due to them running really fast and having some kind of accident wrecking the boat and not due to a forgotten drain plug though Bassboats have gotten out of hand too fast IMHO. Racing is a separate sport from fishing but for some reason the two have merged in the sport of Bassfishing this is unsafe because the bass boats and fishing tournaments organizations don't have the safety mindset and infrastructure in place for rescue that the racing boat organizations do. All warnings and safety related equipment and education are written in blood from previous tragedies remember that and think ahead and listen to the advice.

[@DieterMelhorn]

Once all the facts come out you find this was way worse than a drain plug….😉

[@kentkoester3474]

Sad I fish Keowee and Jocassee and never go out if the wind is over 20.

[@riccochet704]

Curious as to what happened with the boat. Was the plug left out? Was it a bubba boat chock full of duct tape and questionable fixes? I lean towards the second because I've seen far too many bubba's out on the water in questionable boats. I've seen them sink in BLF's. I've nearly been hit by them during night tournaments where their lights were inadequate or non-existent. Don't say it doesn't happen, these bubba's have zero regard for their own or others safety.

[@bill-e6i]

thankyou sir

[@mikeheifort4272]

Boats by law are supposed to have enough floatation to keep the boat afloat full of water

[@DieterMelhorn]

Are you absolutely sure of that?

[@daveallover]

That is horrible. Thanks for bringing this to everyone.