RedactedNarrative: This report documents a fatal watercraft accident that occurred on 6/8/19 at approximately 5:30 P.M. The incident occurred 1/4 mile from the Indiana State Line on the Kankakee River near Momence, IL.  Operator (watercraft operator) and Occupant (passenger) were on board a 14 ft Smoker Craft Jon Boat on the Kankakee River.  The flow on this section of the Kankakee River was estimated at 12 knots (13.809 MPH).  According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) this portion of the Kankakee River was at the "no flooding" stage on 6/8/19. 
   
      The men were traveling Westbound in a dis-tributary channel of the Kankakee River near Operator''s summer residence. The passenger of the watercraft (Occupant) stated that the boat motor malfunctioned and stopped running as they approached the shore in front of Operator''s residence (Occupant written statement attached).  The function of the boat motor was not inspected/tested by emergency personnel.  When the boat motor stopped, the swift current swept the watercraft down stream.  As the boat was being swept down stream Occupant stated that the boat spun around approximately three times causing the port side of the watercraft to collide with a large log jam. The log jam was large enough to almost completely block this portion of the dis-tributary channel.  Occupant stated that when their watercraft hit the log jam, he and Operator were both thrown to the port side of the watercraft. The collision shifted both passengers body weight to one side of the watercraft. Occupant stated that this caused the watercraft to overturn. Occupant, Operator, and Operator''s dog were thrown into the water.  Occupant advised that Operator and his dog went under water and failed to re-surface.  Occupant was able to grab on to the bottom ribbed portion of the overturned watercraft and yell for help.  Occupant advised that the boat was stuck in front of the log jam with the current forcing the overturned watercraft into the log jam.  Occupant stated that he could feel the force of the current trying to suck him into the log jam.
   
     Occupant stated that he called for help.   A friend of Occupant and Operator was taking a nap inside of Operator''s cabin.  Subject1 awoke to the sounds of Occupant yelling for help (Subject1 statement attached).  Subject1 ran outside and saw the overturned watercraft in the middle of the log jam.  Subject1 tried to get cell phone service to call for help, but was unsuccessful.   At this time a civilian heard the cries for help and happened to be in the area with a kayak.  Subject2 launched his kayak, and put himself in danger by paddling towards the log jam.   Subject2 was able to give Occupant his paddle and help pull Occupant to an island South of their residence.  Another passerby arrived on scene shortly after.  He was able to load Occupant into his Jon Boat and transport him North, across the channel, back to Operator''s residence.  The operator of the watercraft (Operator) and his dog were still unaccounted for at this time.  The occupants of the watercraft were not wearing life jackets.
  
      At 10:03 A.M on 06/20/19. Illinois Conservation Police discovered the remains of Operator still stuck in the log jam. His remains were discovered less than 10FT from where he entered the water. We were able to dislodge the remains of Operator and escort him to shore.  Momence Fire was paged out to help assist in getting the remains to shore.
  
  
  