Deceased and passenger launched vessel at boat ramp and began upstream running wide open at approx 25 mph, according to passenger. Deceased let go of the tiller handle to adjust the gas tank. At that time, the motor turned causing the boat to turn violently ejecting the two men, neither wearing pfd's/ deceased could not swim but was able to float on his back for a few minutes. Passenger tried to pull deceased to the bank but had to let go to get himself out of the water and when last looked, deceased was still afloat. A witness on the bank saw the two men and told them he was going for help. When witness returned to the ramp, vessel passenger was out of the water walking back to parking lot. Witness then ran out and into the water, but could not see deceased anywhere downstream. Safety equipment was in the vessel including two pfd's and a throwable cushion, but were in a dry box that was latched shut. Drugs/alcohol was a contributing factor in this fatal accident. No pfd's where being worn or used.
SMITHLAND                     