The week-long search for Frankie Watson, 31, missing since Sunday, February 11th, came to a conclusion this past Saturday with the discovery of his body in the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River. Rangers were advised that he was missing around 10 p.m. on the 11th. Watson and his companion, Lloyd Bolin, had evidently attempted to swim across the Big South Fork after getting their vehicle stuck in a mud hole along the river’s edge. Unable to swim, Bolin gave up the attempt and returned to shore. When communications with Watson failed, Bolin walked to nearby Yamacraw Bridge to summon help. A hasty search was conducted that night, then followed the next day by an extended search by rangers, member of the McCreary Rescue Squad, and, eventually, personnel from many other local and regional rescue squads. The search continued throughout the week in snow and sub-freezing temperatures. On the afternoon of Saturday, February 17th, his body was found near the point where he likely entered the river.
