Operators of both vessel one and two were heading down river. According to witness accounts, the vessels were traveling at a high rate of speed near the center of the channel. Almost immediately after passing under the purple people bridge the operator of vessel two made a hard port turn. The operator of vessel one was unable to change direction and  ramped over vessel two. The operator of vessel two was struck by vessel one. From the wounds on the leg of operator two, it appears the tow hook on the nose of vessel one impacted the left leg of operator two while ramping over.  The operator of vessel two was thrown approx 20 feet downriver and landed face down in the river and did not move. Operator of vessel one jumped or fell off the starboard side of her vessel after ramping over vessel two.  The operator of vessel one then swam back to the operator of vessel two where she held her head above the water. Operator of vessel one then yelled and blew her whistle for help. Victim never regained conscousness and was pronounced dead at the scene. Alcohol was not involved and pfd's were being worn and used.
NEWPORT                       