On April 8, 2023 at approximately 0900 hours I, Texas Game Warden received a call about a boat accident on Millers Creek Reservoir.  I patrolled out to Millers Creek and located a O1 who was operating the vessel that struck the other vessel. I interviewed O1 and he stated that his son  and grandson were in the vessel.  He stated that they had just left the bank west of the boat ramp and were moving in the direction of the boat ramp.  He stated that he did not see the other vessel prior to striking it.  He also stated that upon striking the other vessel he jumped into that vessel and drove it and the operator of that vessel to the bank.  This operator was later identified as O2.  Damage to V1 boat was minimal.  There was a scratch starting at the bow eye bolt and exiting the vessel at the stern under the drain plug. O1 stated that the mounting of the trolling motor and the front fishing seat hindered his ability to see well.  He acknowledged this was a contributing factor in the accident.

By the time I got to the lake O2 was already enroute to the Knox City Hospital. I located his’ vessel.  This vessel was pulled up on the bank just east of the boat ramp.  The damage to this vessel was much more severe than V1.  The damage appeared to corroborate the story that O1 told me.  It appeared that O1 vessel struck the starboard stern corner then proceeded to go on top of vessel 2 and cause damage to the port side of the vessel along the midline of the port gunwale.  The cowling was also damaged, and the steering wheel was bent.  The rear pedestal fishing seat had been struck and was bent over.  I interviewed witness, who was in the vehicle with the trailer that belonged to O2.  His story corroborated the stories I had received from the other people.  He also told me that O2 was being transported to Hendricks hospital in Abilene for further examination.

I talked with O2 on April 13, 2023, and he stated that he had been discharged from the hospital and was back home. However, he was going to have to miss several weeks of work.
0505 MILLERS CREEK
SEYMOUR                       