The boating accident occurred in the afternoon hours of 3/13. Witnesses observed a jet ski with 3 occupants driving out of the canal into Holden Pond heading south. The witnesses stated that the jet ski was operating at speeds entirely too fast ( approximately 30 mph) and made a turn to go back towards the canal into little orange lake.  

As the witnesses observed the operator turn the jet ski back towards the canal with high speeds, they saw the jet ski started driving directly towards one of the witnesses docks. From the witnesses point of view, it appeared the operator did not understand the jet ski did not have breaks, panicked and drove directly into the dock. 

The witnesses stated that this ejected all subjects into the water and they observed that the operator was unresponsive. The witnesses called 911 and rendered aid to the subjects until EMS arrived. EMS transported the operator to Shands ER where I had Officer respond to follow up with injuries.  I observed where the jet ski drove directly into the dock and went underneath it, damaging most of the dock.

I had both witnesses and the two riders of the jet ski fill out sworn statements, and I photographed the jet ski. It was later learned that no subjects on the jet ski were wearing PFD’s, the operator did not have a boating safety ID required for his age, and the jet ski did not have any safety equipment on board. I attempted to follow up with Shands ICU staff who advised me the operator was in surgery and they would not give me any other pertinent information to this case. 

I just found out today , 3/29 that the operator has been through two surgeries. The operator had to have a kidney taken out, received broken ribs  and had another surgery where they placed mesh in his body to hold his organs together. 

This investigation was turned over to Investigator due to the operator having serious bodily injuries. 

This concludes my involvement in this investigation.

Operator of vessel sustained broken ribs, a laceration to his leg from a nail on the dock, and had emergency surgery where surgeons at Shands Hospital took out his kidney due the renal artery to the kidney damaged. The operator also received further surgery to place mesh into his body to hold the remainder of his organs in. 

Occupant1 had lacerations to his right arm which was bandaged. Refused medical treatment.

Occupant2 had lacerations on her right arm which was bandaged upon arrival. She stated that she also had bruising on the right side of her torso.

Holden Pond
HAWTHORNE                     