LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Family, friends and first responders will honor the life of a Louisville area fire captain who drowned during a fishing trip last week.
Okolona Fire Capt. Chris Berry, 35, died after falling overboard just before 1 a.m. last Wednesday, June 18, at Dale Hollow Lake in Tennessee while on a camping and fishing trip with friends.
Officials said the group Berry was with had taken their bass boat out for night fishing, when Berry reportedly stumbled and fell overboard. Despite attempts to reach Berry, officers with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) said he "could not be reached."
Crews recovered Berry's body later that morning around 8:30 a.m. in 72 feet of water, TWRA officials said.
A nine-year veteran of the Okolona Fire Protection District, Berry's body was brought home to Louisville last Friday afternoon. A procession of family, friends, and his fellow firefighters lined the route to welcome him home.
According to Okolona Fire Chief Mark Little, Berry began his career in fire service in 2011 as a volunteer firefighter with the Pleasure Ridge Park Fire Protection District. In 2013, he became a career firefighter with McMahan Fire Protection District before joining Okolona in 2016.
Little said Berry was a member of specialized rescue teams at the department, including Hazmat, Swift Water Rescue, Confined Space Rescue and Rope Rescue.
In 2018, Berry was honored with the Okolona Fire Department's Fire Life Saver Award. That same year, he received the Unit Citation for the first time, and a second time in 2023, "for his outstanding service."
Little said Berry leaves behind a wife of six years, his biological parents, a stepfather, a sister, a mother- and father-in-law and "an extensive" fire and EMS family.
According to his obituary, Berry was born and raised in Louisville, graduating from St. Xavier High School in 2009, where he played football, "dabbling" in soccer, baseball and basketball as well.
"To his colleagues, he was the beating heart of the firehouse—a "man's man" who never hesitated to get his hands dirty and always made time for a laugh or a heart-to-heart," his obit states. "To his family, he brought joy and comfort. To his beloved wife, Megan—they were each other's person."
Berry is described as "a devoted fireman, beloved friend, steadfast leader, cherished brother, and an irreplaceable soul ... A man of action, principle, and humor, Chris led by example—showing those around him that true leadership isn't spoken, it's lived."
Visitation is scheduled for 12-4 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. Thursday, June 26, and from 1-2 p.m. Friday, June 27, at Schoppenhorst, Underwood and Brooks Funeral Home on North Preston Highway in Shepherdsville.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, June 27, also at Schoppenhorst, Underwood and Brooks Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held after the memorial service at the Hillview Government Center on Crestwood Lane in Louisville.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a fund set up by the Lesley & Rhyan Prather Foundation to help support Berry's family. Donations can be made by clicking here.
To read Berry's obituary, click here.
Top Stories:
Health officials find rodent evidence at another Louisville Kroger store
Yum! Brands donating Louisville headquarters to JCPS for new central office
Kentucky couple reflects on unexpected journey 10 years after marriage equality ruling
River Road construction project moves further east in Louisville
Louisville man faces murder charges after bar fight causes deadly injuries
Copyright 2025 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
