V1 was cruising downstream turning starboard into a right hand curve of the channel.  V2 was cruising upstream turning portside into a left hand curve of the channel.  Both vessels were in a head on situation in a sharp curve.  V1 turned starboard to avoid the collision while V2 turned to port, thus resulting in the collision.  The collision occurred near the Union Co. shore of the channel.  The bow of V2 collided with the portside bow of V1 creating tearing breaks and deep gouges in V1.  V2 rotated on impact causing the starboard stern to rise and collide again with the port stern of V1.  After the collision V1 traveled a short distance to the Union Co. shoreline with the bow first stopping at GPS Coordinate N 33 11 22.1 W 092 10 26.2.   

V1 Operator was unconscious with injury; V1 Passenger 2 was alert with possible injury; V1 Passenger 3 was unresponsive; V1 Passenger 4 was unconscious with injury and V1 Passenger 5 was alert with injury.  None of V1 occupants were ejected. 

V2 rotated 180 degrees during the collision and traveled downstream to GPS Coordinate N33 11 22.0 W 092 10 23.3 on the Union Co. shoreline before stopping.  V2 Operator was not injured and V2 Passenger 2 had a possible injury.  Again, none of the occupants were ejected. 

Autopsy on the victim and all Toxicology test requests were sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab.  Due to the backlog of cases at the Crime Lab it could take several months to get the results and therefore determine cause and close the investigation. 

Autopsy received 07/25/12; still waiting on Toxicology screens from operators.
 
01/12/13 - all Toxicology screens received.  Criminal charges have been filed but no court date set as of today.  Regardless, I am submitting this report for review as the deadline is this week.  The facts to be known are included in this report.

CROSSETT                      