Metro Atlanta
Metro Atlanta

2 Georgia men killed when boat flips during Potomac River Radar Run

Two Georgia men were killed when the boat they were in flipped over during the Potomac River Radar Run near Fairview Beach in King George County, Virginia.
By Ellen Eldridge
Oct 16, 2016

Two Georgia men were killed Saturday while participating in a boat race near Fairview Beach in Virginia.

James A. Melley, 49, of Buford, and Garth Thomas Tagge, 61, of Atlanta, were thrown when their 36-foot catamaran flipped in the water about noon. (Credit: Channel 2 Action News)
icon to expand image

James A. Melley, 49, of Buford, and Garth Thomas Tagge, 61, of Atlanta, were thrown when their 36-foot catamaran flipped in the water about noon.

Both men were killed while participating in the Potomac River Radar Run.

ABC affiliate WJLA said the two men were well known in the performance boating industry for topping speeds more than 190 MPH. They participated in competitions across the country.

About the Author

Ellen Eldridge
More Stories

Keep Reading

A member of a Metro Atlanta Fire Department and his children place their hands on the casket of fallen DeKalb firefighter Preston Fant during a memorial service for Fant at Truist Park, Thursday, September 18, 2025, in Atlanta.(Hyosub Shin / AJC)

Credit: Hyosub Shin / Hyosub.Shin@ajc.com

‘You are loved’: Hundreds mourn fallen DeKalb firefighter at Truist Park

Following the service at Truist Park, a cemetery procession will travel to Kennesaw Memorial Park, affecting traffic in Marietta from 3:30-5 p.m.

9m ago

Secoriea Turner’s mother testifies there were at least 2 shooters

Charmaine Turner’s voice cracked as she recalled the panic she felt the night of July 4, 2020, as she and her then-boyfriend rushed the little girl to the hospital.

1h ago

Monthlong sewer repairs to block lanes on 10th in Midtown

Atlanta’s Department of Watershed Management will replace sewer lines, repair defects.

The Latest

A member of a Metro Atlanta Fire Department and his children place their hands on the casket of fallen DeKalb firefighter Preston Fant during a memorial service for Fant at Truist Park, Thursday, September 18, 2025, in Atlanta.(Hyosub Shin / AJC)

‘You are loved’: Hundreds mourn fallen DeKalb firefighter at Truist Park

9m ago

Secoriea Turner’s mother testifies there were at least 2 shooters

1h ago

Driver to face charges after South Fulton officer struck, injured

Featured

Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com

Police abandoned area where 8-year-old was shot, detective testifies

The testimony came as trial began for Julian Conley, the man accused of fatally shooting the child near the burned-down Wendy’s where Rayshard Brooks was killed weeks earlier.

Emory giving free tuition to students from families making under $200,000

Starting next academic year, Emory University will be tuition-free for undergraduates whose families earn less than $200,000, a move that could help hundreds of students.

Weekend Predictions: Another winning weekend for Falcons, Georgia Tech?

Weekend Predictions is off to a hot start. But will wins by the Atlanta Falcons, Georgia Tech and Georgia State keep this streak alive?