Operator stated they had launched V1 at about 05:30 off the levee due to high water conditions.  They were going to do some fishing and camping.  They had not been in the water but about 10 minutes when water started coming over the front of V1 and it quickly capsized.  Operator and passenger 3 were wearing PFD's and were able to make it to the bank.  Passenger 2 and the victim remained with V1 and continued to float down river.  Passenger 2 stated the victim said he was going to try and get V1 to the bank and for her to hold on.  At one point Passenger 2 lost her grip on V1 due to the current pulling her away, but she was able to make it to the west bank.  She stated she didn't know how much further her husband (victim) was able to float downstream with V1.  

V1 was located the following day approximately 15 miles down river.  Upon inspection a small hole was detected in the floor of V1 toward the bow.  Operator stated that a screw driver had been punched through the bottom of V1 to drain water out; he said he had forgotten about the hole being there until they got it in the water and Passenger 2 said something about it.

Victim's body was recovered on 06/01/2011 about 12 miles down river from the accident site.  It is this officer's opinion the primary cause of the accident was due to overloading the vessel, coupled with the hazardous water conditions and failure to wear PFDs.
HOLCOMB, MISSOURI             