Kingsport Mourns Loss of 16-Year-Old Keytin Reese in Tragic Drowning at Warriors Path State Park
Authorities say the incident occurred on Monday afternoon, when Keytin, a rising high school junior and a beloved member of the community, went swimming with a group of friends near the lake area of the park. According to preliminary reports from the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office, the teens had been enjoying a warm summer day when Keytin suddenly went under the water and never resurfaced.
Emergency responders from multiple agencies, including the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office, Kingsport Fire Department, and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, arrived at the scene quickly after a 911 call was placed just after 2:00 p.m. A large-scale search effort ensued, involving sonar equipment, dive teams, and rescue boats. After several agonizing hours, Keytin’s body was recovered from the lake in the early evening, bringing a heartbreaking end to the rescue attempt.
The loss of Keytin Reese has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit Kingsport community. Vigils have sprung up throughout the city, with friends, classmates, teachers, and neighbors gathering to share memories and support one another through their grief. His high school has offered counseling services for students struggling to cope with the tragedy, and messages of love and remembrance have flooded social media in his honor.
“Keytin was a bright light—funny, kind-hearted, and full of life,” said one of his close friends, holding back tears at a candlelight vigil held Tuesday night at the park. “He always made everyone feel welcome. He had so many dreams. This just doesn’t feel real.”
A student at Dobyns-Bennett High School, Keytin was known for his adventurous spirit, his love of the outdoors, and his commitment to his friends and family. He was described by teachers as respectful, hard-working, and someone who always put others first. His tragic passing has not only devastated his peers but also reignited conversations about water safety awareness, particularly among teens and young adults during the summer months.
Officials have not indicated whether foul play is suspected, though they continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to the drowning. Park officials emphasized that while Warriors Path State Park is generally safe, the lake’s waters can be deceptively deep in some areas, and swimming outside of designated zones is strongly discouraged.
“Our hearts are shattered for the Reese family,” said Sullivan County Sheriff Jeff Cassidy in a statement. “No parent should ever have to endure the pain of losing a child, especially in such a sudden and tragic manner. We extend our deepest sympathies and prayers to them during this unimaginable time.”
In the coming days, the community is planning several memorial events to celebrate Keytin’s life. A public memorial service is scheduled for Friday at his family’s church, where attendees are encouraged to wear blue—Keytin’s favorite color—in honor of his memory.
For those who wish to support the family, a GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist with funeral expenses and to create a scholarship fund in Keytin’s name. The campaign has already garnered hundreds of donations and heartfelt messages from across the region.
As Kingsport mourns the loss of one of its own, the memory of Keytin Reese will undoubtedly live on—in the laughter of his friends, the tears of his loved ones, and the legacy of a young man taken far too soon