Based on Information gathered from the wife of the vessel operator, there were 3 individuals on board.  The operator Operator, and two minors. Operator’s wife told 911 operators that the vessel her husband was operating had struck a rock in lake Palestine.  She also advised 911, that when the vessel had collided with the object that her husband had fallen and hit his head on the vessel, and that he was bleeding from his ears.  The vessel reached Lake Palestine marina where an ambulance came and transported Operator to ETMC in Tyler.  
Texas Game Wardens arrived at Lake Palestine Marina, and collected the boat, vehicle, and trailer as part of the accident investigation.  A inventory of the vessel, and the vehicle was conducted, but family members arrived and with the consent of Operator’s wife the vehicle and vessel were released.  

Game Wardens then traveled to Tyler to meet with Operator’s wife, and the 11 year old minor with his mother present.  Upon talking with the minor, the vessel had struck the TX-HWY155 bridge, and that Operator had struck his head when he fell, and he had slumped over in the operators seat and seemed to be unconscious.  The minor had disenegaged the throttle, and turned the engine off.  He then called his mother and she called 911. 

Game Wardens then traveled to ETMC in Tyler to meet with Operator who was being treated for his injuries.  Operator stated that he did not remember anything from the accident.  He also stated that he was being treated for broken ribs, and facial fractures. 

Game Warden followed up with Operator on 3/30/2012, and talked to him and found that he had been released from the hospital and would be returning to work on monday 4/2/2012.

Coffee City                   