Smith County Drowning Victim Identified

WINONA – The woman who drowned in northeastern Smith County has been identified. Justice of the Peace Mitch Shamburger tells KTBB the victim is Christy Dennis, 41, of Tyler. The accident happened shortly after 5:15 Sunday afternoon in a private pond located in the 13500 block of Highway 155 near Winona. A caller told authorities the woman jumped into the water to swim. After a few moments of swimming, she called for help and went under water. Smith County sheriff’s deputies were joined by game wardens of the Texas Parks and Wildlife, Winona Fire Department, Noonday Fire Department, and the Smith County dive team. Her body was recovered around 7:00 Sunday night. Judge Shamburger has ordered an autopsy.