RedactedNarrative: On May 24, 2015 about 1330 hrs., Master Officer received a call from Burke County Sheriff's Office that a boating accident had occurred on Lake James. After investigating and interviewing the operator and witnesses involved in the accident, Officer concluded that on May 24, 2015 at about 1300hrs, four people went for a ride on a pontoon boat (registration). With Owner operating the pontoon boat, they travelled about ½ mile west from the East Shores area toward the Lake James Dam. During the short ride, all four occupants were distracted by 2 small dogs in the boat. From Owner's, Occupant1's and Occupant2's statements, Owner and Occupant1 were trying to take pictures of the 2 dogs with Owner's cell phone when they hit the side of a dock. The pontoon was traveling approximately 20 mph at the time of impact. Occupant2 and Occupant3 were thrown forward about 5 to 6 feet into the front railing of the boat. After impact, Occupant2 was laying on the floor of the boat with his wife Occupant3 lying on top of his legs. Both had suffered head injuries. Occupant2 was conscious and Occupant3 was unconscious. From Occupant2’s statement after the accident, he said “Owner checked Occupant3's pulse and said she is just knocked out”. Occupant2 said that Occupant3 never regained consciousness. Then Occupant2 remembers Occupant3 yelling for help. At that time, a neighbor called 911. Shortly after, First Responders and Burke County EMS arrived on scene. Occupant2 was then transported to the hospital in Morganton. Burke County EMS administered CPR on Occupant3 at the scene then transported her to the hospital in Morganton where she later died. Occupant2 was later transported to CMC in Occupant1 where he was released the following day.