Jerry Ross Obituary: Crowley Angler Dies After Lake Fork Fishing Tournament Incident

The Crowley, Texas, community and members of the fishing world are remembering Jerry Ross, who reportedly died at the age of 69 after falling overboard while taking part in a fishing tournament at Lake Fork in Wood County on Saturday morning, September 19, 2026.

According to information attributed to Texas Game Wardens, Ross was participating in the Sealy Outdoors Big Bass Splash when he entered the water and did not resurface. The incident led to a coordinated search involving Texas Game Wardens and several local emergency agencies.

The Sealy Outdoors Big Bass Splash was scheduled to run September 18 through September 20 at Lake Fork, with tournament fishing taking place during the morning and afternoon hours.

What Happened at Lake Fork

Authorities were reportedly notified at approximately 6:15 a.m. about a possible fatal water-related incident at Lake Fork.

Ross was said to have fallen from his vessel while competing in the fishing tournament. After he failed to resurface, emergency personnel began searching the area.

The circumstances surrounding how Ross entered the water have not been fully disclosed. Officials have not publicly provided a detailed account of what led to the incident.

Search Effort Leads to Recovery

The search reportedly continued for several hours as responding agencies worked to locate Ross.

According to the information provided, crews used side-scan sonar to identify his location beneath the surface shortly before noon. A diver from the Quitman Fire Department subsequently recovered him from the lake.

The response involved personnel from the Quitman Fire Department, Wood County Sheriff’s Office, Alba Fire Department, and Texas Game Wardens.

The coordinated effort brought the search operation to an end, although questions surrounding the circumstances of the incident remain subject to the authorities’ investigation.

Cause and Circumstances Remain Unclear

Ross’s death has been described as following a reported fall overboard, but a final cause and manner of death have not been publicly established in the information available for this article.

Officials have not indicated whether a medical emergency, equipment problem, weather conditions, or another circumstance contributed to Ross entering the water. Those possibilities should not be treated as confirmed without an official finding.

Further information may become available as authorities complete their review.

Remembering Jerry Ross

For family, friends, and fellow anglers, Ross’s reported death represents a sudden loss during an activity that had brought him into the fishing community.

At 69, Ross was participating in a major bass-fishing tournament when the incident occurred. Fellow competitors and others connected to the event are now left to remember the time they shared with him on and around the water.

Additional information about Ross’s personal life, family, career, and involvement in fishing may be shared by his loved ones as they make arrangements and process his passing.

Fishing Community Responds

The incident occurred during the Sealy Outdoors Big Bass Splash, a major annual fishing event at Lake Fork. Published tournament information confirms that the 2026 event was scheduled for September 18–20 and included three days of competition.

For the fishing community, the circumstances have brought an otherwise competitive weekend into a period of mourning. The focus now turns toward Ross’s loved ones and those affected by his death.

Funeral Arrangements

Funeral arrangements, visitation information, and details regarding a celebration of life for Jerry Ross have not been publicly announced in the information available at the time of publication.

Family members or authorized representatives may provide additional details as arrangements are finalized. Friends and community members seeking information about services should rely on official family announcements or the funeral home handling the arrangements.

Information Disclaimer

This article is based on information supplied about the incident and available public information concerning the Lake Fork tournament. The specific circumstances of Jerry Ross’s reported death and the final cause and manner of death should be confirmed through Texas Game Wardens, the Wood County authorities, Ross’s family, or other authorized sources as additional information becomes available.

Information here is provided for general informational purposes only. Funeral arrangements and biographical details should be confirmed through the family or an authorized funeral service provider.