Upon arrival at the accident scene, I noted open containers of alcohol in V1 along with a red ice chest with beer in it.  The victim was also located inside V1 laying on the floor face up.  The victim was pronouced dead at the scene by the Garland County Coroner.  The victim had obvious signs of trauma to his upper right thigh conducive with a propeller strike.  Witnesses/occupants on V1 stated they were in the middle of the channel between the Hwy 270 river bridge and Blakely Dam when the incident occurred.  The victim was seated in the front of V1 and attempted to get up; he fell backwards off the bow of V1 and the operator was unable to put the engine in neutral in time.  The victim traveled between the port and center pontoon of V1, coming into contact with the lower unit.  The victim's right leg came in contact with the gear case and prop causing two large lacerations.  The occupants stated they could hear the victim screaming and attempted to throw him a PFD.  Two of the occupants jumped in the water and retrieved the victim.  Once the victim was onboard, they attempted to administer CPR until they arrived at Marine Land Marina.  The operator had a strong odor of intoxicants, slurred speech and bloodshot eyes.  He consented to a blood test and results are still pending.
HOT SPRINGS                   