Operator of Vessel #1 stated they just unloaded the boat from the trailer and took the boat out for a test drive around the lake.  Operator of Vsl #1 stated he told passenger to sit in the boat and not on the gunwale.  Other passenger sat in the bow, and one behind the operator.  When they were across the lake, passenger/victim sat on the gunwale.  Operator stated the boat jerked to the left and passenger/victim fell out of the boat.  Operator Vsl #1 stated he then shut off the motor of the boat.  He stated that somehow passenger's shirt ended up wrapped around the propeller but was not sure how it got there.  He also stated it must have blown out of the boat.
In contacting mother of victim, she stated that victim had surgery and was doing better.  She stated victim had extensive injuries to her shoulder blade, collar bone, and scapula.  She also had injuries to her spine.  She also stated that the surgeon indicated that victim was hit by the propeller of the boat (Vessel #1).
Coldwater Township            