Two Drown in Boating Accident on the North Fork

A boating accident on the North Fork of the White River one mile west of Tecumseh ended in tragedy. Three men set out in a jon boat, and only one swam safely to shore, reports the Missouri State Highway Patrol. 

On March 25 at 3:30 a.m. the boat, carrying three occupants, struck a log extending from the bank into the river. The vessel overturned and ejected all the occupants. Shannon Newton, 38, of Dora, swam safely to shore. The search was on for the other two men in the boat. 

Michael Dunlap, 32, of Norwood, was found first. He was pronounced dead by Ozark County Coroner at 6:00 p.m. on March 25. The third occupant, Robert Smith, 60, of Dora was found the following day. He was pronounced deceased by the coroner at 12:05 a.m. on March 26. 

Funeral services for the men who lost their lives were under the arrangement of Clinkingbeard Funeral Homes in Gainesville.