On 5/29/2013 operator1, Operator, attempted to kite surf at Cheney Reservoir near campsite #28 at MandM Point during a statewide tornado watch and severe thunderstorm warning.  Wind gusts were in excess of 30 m.p.h. and according to Cheney State Park Manager, up to 40 m.p.h. at times. Reno County 911 confirmed wind speeds between 24 and 30 m.p.h. and the area was placed under storm warnings/watches beginning at 1227 hours.

Operator attached himself to his kite, walked towards the water and before he could attach himself to his board a strong gust of wind picked him up into the air.  According to witness, Operator flew approximately 20 feet into the air and then slammed into the beach.  Operator never reached the water.

Operator was taken by ambulance to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, KS with back pain and memory loss. Reno County Sheriff''s Deputy and part-time Cheney Park Ranger was first on scene and obtained statements.  Deputy said Operator could not remember his phone number and found no registration or numbers on Operators board.

On 6/13/2013 Operator spoke to Officer in person. He had 6 years experience, was unaware of any storm warnings at the time and spent 4 days in the hospital.  He received a concusion, broken collar bone, 5 broken ribs, cracked vertibrae and damaged pelvis.  Operator was wearing a helmet and only damage was to his life vest when EMS cut it off.
Cheney