Six subjects were on shearon harris res wakeboarding in no name creek.  All arrived at the lake around 12:15pm.  The subjects were taking turns wakeboarding throughout the afternoon.  This was the victim's last trip to the lake for the summer and she was trying to complete a jump from one wake and cross the other wake in the air.  She had no problems jumping one wake, but crossing the other had not been completed yet.  This was also her first summer wakeboarding and this jump was a goal she wanted to complete.

Through the afternoon all subjects had taken several turns wake boarding.  It was now victim's turn to go.  She had made several passes back and forth aacross the wake without incident.  On the last jump she crossed from left to right looking out the back of the boat.  Victim did not complete the jump and fell.  The boat slowed and pulled back around to pick up victim.  As the boat approached victim, subject asked if she was okay?  subject victim responded, "yeah, but that one hurt".  Subject reached for victim's hand to pull her to the boat.  Victim went unresponsive and subject asked what hurt?  Victim was unable to respond.  All subjects assisted getting victim into the boat.  911 was called on the way to the ramp.  Victim remained unresponsive during the wait for ems.  Upon arrival of ems, victim was rushed to duke.  On the trip, victim stopped breathing, so ems went to wake med hospital. There, surgery was performed and a hole was drilled in the skull to allow bleeding and swelling to escape.  The doctor spoke with the victim's mother while i was there.  The doctor stated this was very serious but if anyone could survive, someone her age could.  There was a great possibility of brain damage, also stated by the doctor.   Subject victim never recovered.  Two days later victim was placed on life support to allow for organ removal.  

While speaking with the witnesses, none said this fall was any harder than other falls.  It was stated the front edge of the wakeboard entered the water first and faceplanted her into the water.  Victim never tried to brace for the fall by placing her hands in front of her.  The left side of the head struck the water first causing the damage.

The operator had the vessel on cruise control and at a speed of 20 mph.  He was watching the jumps in the rear view mirror.  He stated, "this fall was no different than others taken during the day by all the wakeboarders."

APEX                          