Written statement by operator/owner, given 4-12-2012:
"We went for a boat ride towards dam turned around headed back to bank at Down South ATV Park slowed to turn left boat grabbed hard on left side and passenger got thrown out and boat sank."

Witness on scene described boat operator cruising on San Jacinto River and making a pass at the north end of Down South ATB Park beach.  There was a brief period of acceleration at which time the bottom of the hull appeared to delaminate down nearly the length of the boat. As the bottom of the hull made contact with the water, there was an immediate deceleration causing the passenger to be ejected over the bow of the boat. Witness stated it appeared the passenger struck his legs on the dash as he was ejected.  The operator was not ejected but struck the steering wheel causing the steering column to break and as the boat began to sink, he appeared to initially be stuck under the dash due to a broken steering column. He was able to extract himself from the boat and was assisted to the beach by boaters in close proximity to the accident. Injured passenger was also assisted to the beach by the bystanders. PFD's on board but not worn.  Boat sank in about 12-14 feet of water, was marked with bouys and recovered.
Crosby                        