August 29, 2020

Recent Oakland County Fatal Boating Incidents

These incident reports are a reminder of how quickly boating can turn from fun to tragedy if safe boating rules are ignored.

08/24/2020 – 6:31pm – Mandon Lake – White Lake Township – Fatal Injuries
Marine Unit responded to an injured female who fell off a pontoon boat. Investigation revealed the 16 year old female passenger from Davisburg, MI was riding on the front of a pontoon boat outside of the front handrail. Victim fell off the bow and was ran over by the boat. Victim contacted the propeller and received devastating trauma to both legs in the upper thigh area. Victim bleed out at the scene. Victim was transported to the hospital with CPR in progress, no signs of life. Pronounced deceased at 9:13pm. The 18 year old boyfriend driver without a boater safety certificate stated he did not see the victim fall into the water. Statements indicated the driver had his head down possible texting.

08/15/2020 – 12:59pm – Loon Lake – Waterford Township – Drowning
Marine Unit responded to a fisherman who dove off his boat and drowned. Investigation revealed the 55 year old male fisherman from Auburn Hills dove off his boat in 6 feet of water to cool off. The victim possibly struck his head on the bottom, surfaced in distress and went back under the water. Other boaters observed the 53 year old female passenger from Bloomfield Hills screaming for help and responded to assist. Victim was pulled from the water and transported to shore. Transported to the hospital with CPR in progress. Victim was on life support for several day but succumbed to his injuries. Autopsy results pending.

Please be care careful while on the lake and follow safe boating practices to ensure a safe and fun experience for yourself, family and friends.