Above listed victim was operating the listed vessel on listed time and date. The vessel, it's operator and two passengers had just left the Louisville Waterfront Park Marina after attending the "Funk Fest". The vessel appeared to be up on plane heading East up river crossing from the Louisville side of the river gradually making it's way to the Indiana shore line.  

The vessel is believed to have come in contact with the steel wall along the North side of the Ohio River between MM 601-600. It appears the victim's upper body struck the wall when the vessel made contact where he sustained severe blunt force trauma to his head and upper body causing fatal injuries. 

Witness stated when he boarded the vessel to assist and drive it to the Marine Sales Boat ramp to meet with emergency services he could not see to operate the vessel due to the interior lights being on causing him to stick his head out to the side of the vessel to be able to see. 

Investigator believes interior lighting and speed are the contributing factors to this accident.  The operator had been drinking.


Ohio River
louisville                    