V1 was traveling in a southwest direction on Newnans Lake in open water when the operator stated he believed the vessel may have struck another boat’s wake which caused V1 to enter a sharp turn to port. 

Both occupants of the vessel were ejected into the water during this sharp turn and were not wearing personal flotation devices. The outboard engine kill switch was not in use and the stick steer vessel entered the circle of death for approximately 42 minutes. 

The operator received lacerations to both feet from the V1 skeg and propeller as he attempted to reenter the vessel on three occasions as V1 passed close by. 

The operator eventually reentered V1 on the fourth try and regained control. The operator was able to locate the other occupant who was face down in the water and unresponsive. See ISR 108876 for detailed narrative. The deceased victim had no visible injuries on subject. See ISR 108896 pending autopsy report release.

Newnans Lake
GAINESVILLE                   