On Saturday, August 7, 2010, at approximately 10:00pm, the boat being operated, hit the breakwater rock wall near the dam at Rend Lake.  Operator and the three occupants had been boating since about 11:00am that morning.  They left the cove they had been anchored in, on the east side of the lake, just north of the spillway.  On their way back, they lost their way and ended up on the west side of the lake, north of the Dam Road.  Operator started heading back to the east parallel with the Dam Road.  He then struck the rock break wall, grounding the boat on the rip rap.  victim1 was in the bow of the boat, asleep, and was ejected from the boat, landing on the rip rap.  Operator had been standing at the time of impact and was thrown forward, hitting the left side of his head and face on the windshield.  occupant had been sitting in the seat behind the operators seat, facing the stern.  occupant2 had been sitting in the seat behind the front passengers seat, also facing the stern.  They received no injuries.  

After the crash, occupant contacted some friends to come and help them.  The first boat to arrive was operated.  He was able to call 911 and tell them where the crash was.  Two subjects were on the  boat and swam to shore to render aid.  At about this time, Operator left the scene in a boat.  Shortly after, EMS and Corps Rangers arrived.  victim1 had severe enough injuries that she was taken by helicopter to St. Louis University Hospital.  At about this time CPO arrived.  

CPO  spoke with Rangers and learned that Operator had left the scene.  Ranger  and a Franklin County deputy left to try and find Operator.  CPO  then spoke with occupants.   They told him the details of the crash, noted above.    

End of Initial Report.  Field Report  to follow.
Benton                        