Boat propeller likely killed missing woman

Holly Nelson, the missing woman whose body was pulled from Percy Priest Lake [1] on Wednesday, died of head trauma, according to a statement from the medical examiner’s office.

Initial reports indicated she likely drowned, but an autopsy revealed injuries consistent with being hit by a boat propeller, the statement said. 

Nelson, 25, was on a team-building event with friends and coworkers [1] when she disappeared Aug. 15. She was reported missing when the two rented pontoon boats returned to Elm Hill Marina and it was discovered she was not on board either boat.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is taking the lead in the investigation as it now appears Nelson’s death is related to a boating incident.