V1 was pulling a tube that was occupied by passenger 7 and passenger/victim 8.  They both fell off the tube and the operator said he made a right turn to go back and get them.  He could see passenger 7 on his right but could not see the victim and assumed they were close together.  According to other occupants V1 went between them when he returned to pick them up.  Operator said he heard passenger 3 scream his name and then called out to the victim.  Operator then stated victim was swept under V1, when he heard passenger 3 scream he made an abrupt turn to the left and the prop struck the victim in the lower right leg.  However, passenger 7  believes the operator made his evasive turn to the right. 

Repeated attempts to make contact with all the individuals involved were unsuccessful that day; it wasn't until late the next afternoon any of the parties involved contacted this officer.  I was at Mercy Hospital when the victim arrived and even though everybody involved denied the use of alcohol, it could easily be smelled on the victim.  The operator has 3 prior convictions for DWI and it is my belief that that is why none of the others would meet with me until the next day.  I listed alcohol as a contributing factor but I personally believe it was the primary factor due to the operator's past history but this could not be confirmed.
EUREKA SPRINGS                