On Saturday, October 9, 2010 at approximately 10:00am, Conservation Police Officers were called to Lake Mattoon for a boat accident with injuries.  At approximately 10:38am, we arrived.  All of the victims were taken to Sarah Busch Lincoln Hospital prior to our arrival.  Both boats were already at the marina.  The green Lowe (V #1) was at the ramp and the white Lowe (V #2) was tied up to the dock.  CPO took written statements from two witnesses while I began processing the boats.  I took photographs of both boats while still in the water prior to moving the boats.  CPO and I were assisted by the Neoga Ambulance and Fire personal with removal of the boats.  Both boats were pulled onto their trailers using the jack.  I took more photographs and interviewed another witness.  

From witness' statements, ambulance personel injury assessments, and preliminary assessment of the boats, V #2 collided with V #1 near the east shoreline of the lake.  V#2 was traveling at a hight rate of speed, while V#1 was moving very slow, almost at a stand still.  V #2 struck the helm of V #1, pushing V #1 down, causing V #2 to ramp up and slide sideways over V #1.  V #2 struck the operator of V #1 in the head then shoved him over to the passenger location. Initially, the operator of V #1 was to be airlifted to the hospital but was transported by ambulance.  The two other seated in the back of the V#1 were transported to the hospital by ambulance.  The two seated near the front of V#1 were taken to the hospital by a family member.  All passengers of V#1 were treated and released, while the operator was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The operator of V#2 and the passenger near the front of the vessel, were ejected.  The third passenger was thrown to the floor, who then drove the boat closer to the ejected passengers and threw them a lifeline.  Both V#1 and V#2 were assisted by other boat operators.  V#1 was towed to shore and V#2 was driven to shore.  The two ejected from the boat were transported to the hospital by ambulance, treated and released.  Further assesment of the vessels along with interviews of the witnesses and vessel occupants will be documented in a supplemental report.  END OF REPORT.
Neoga                         