On 06-30-12 at approximately 11:45 PM   I received a call from District 11 State Police regarding a boat accident at Lake Lou Yaeger.  Upon my arrival at Lou Yaeger I proceeded to Arrowhead Lane in order to interview any bystander''s who may have witnessed the accident.  After speaking with all involved I report the following:  On 06-30-12 at 10:30 PM four people were swimming on the West side of Lake Lou Yaeger approximately 1 mile north of Marina #1.  Two advised me that they had swam away from the girls and were several hundred yards from the shore line.  Meanwhile  the two others had decided  return back to the shore line.  At this time the first set told me that they believed a pontoon boat  was travelling south near the girls location.  At this time they continued swimming away from the girls.  They then stated that the pontoon slowed down and made a gradual turn and then headed due north up the lake away from them.  A short time later another boater came up to them and asked them to board his boat because he believed one of their girlfriend''s had been injured.

  On 07-01-12  at approximately 2:45 PM I spoke with Swimmer1 via cell phone.  She advised that while she and Victim were swimming back to the shore line she observed a large pleasure boat travelling south  towards their location in the water.  She advised they then swam away from each other in order to avoid the boat.  Swimmer1 advised that the boat continued south and maintained a constant speed. Swimmer1 advised me that she believed the boat that struck Victim had no idea what had taken place.   At this time Swimmer1 heard Victim call for her to swim to her location because she thought the boat had injured her foot.  At This time an unknown individual in a kayak assisted the two girls to the shore line.  After arriving at the shore Swimmer1 pleaded for someone to call 911.  She told me she was in shock because her friends left ankle was severely injured.  A short time later EMS arrived and transported Victim to St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield and was later taken to Memorial Hospital in Springfield for more advanced treatment.

  After speaking with Swimmer1 I called Victim''s mother in order to check on her progress.  Victim’s mother advised that she was worried and that  Victim had two broken bones in her left leg as well as a severe laceration to her left foot.  She advised that medical staff indicated that Victim would be staying at Memorial for a few days and reevaluated on Tuesday.  I advised Victim’s mother that I appreciated her help and thanked her for taking the time to speak with me.  I also asked her if she would see that someone fill out the boat accident form that I would be sending her in order for them to be in compliance with state law.  She indicated that she would comply and I thanked her and wished her daughter a speedy recovery.

  I later spoke with Litchfielld Police Chief about the accident and we concluded that given the mixed statements given by the teenaged swimmers and no other eye witnesses our chances of ever finding the watercraft that hit Victim was very slim.  I believe,  based on Swimmer1''s statement, the operator of the watercraft did not even realize the kids were in the water.  However,  if after the information is released to the public there might be a chance that someone may come forward and claim responsiblity.  That possiblity is doubtful at best.

End of report.

Litchfield                    