On August 15, 2023, at 1456 hours, I, Game Warden with the Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division received a call from GSP in regards to a possible boating incident on West Point Lake in Troup Co. GSP told me that a 13 year old male was receiving medical attention after he fell from a water tube near the Earl Cook boat access on West Point Lake. 

Upon arrival to Earl Cook boat access, Troup Co. Fire and EMS had already vacated the scene with the victim. Troup Co. Sherriffs office informed me that the victim was being transported to Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center in Lagrange for treatment. I left Earl Cook boat access and drove to West Georgia Medical Center to start my investigation. Shorlty after arriving at West Georgia Medical Center, I met grandmother of the injured 13 year old boy. Subject1 explained to me that her husband was driving their boat pulling a tube occupied by three of their grandchilden on West Point Lake near Earl Cook boat access. She was the observer while her husband was driving. She explained that while they were riding down the lake pulling the tube, her grandson, 13 year old fell off the tube. The other two grandchildren stayed on the tube. While Subject1's husband was driving around to pick up Victim, Victim refused to ride in the tube and complained of severe pain in his hip area. 

Once they learned of Victim's discomfort, Operator1 called 911 for medical assistance. I asked Subject1 if the children had on PFD's and she said that everyone had one on except for Operator1. Subject1 did tell me that Operator1 had a PFD for himself and that a Type IV throwable device and fire extinguisher were on board their vessel. After finishing with Subject1, I talked with Operator1 to understand the story of the day from his perspective. His story lined up with Subject1. I asked him how fast he was going at the time of  the incident and if there was any alcohol on board the vessel or if he had consumed any alcohol on or before this event. Operator1 informed me that he was going approximately 19 MPH when Victim fell off. He also told me that no alcohol was on board and that he did not drink alcohol at all. 

After finishing up with Operator1 at West Georgia Medical Center, I asked him if I could take a look at his vessel to get a couple pictures and examine the hull. Operator1 agreed and I followed him to his residence to examine his vessel. I found no visible hull damage or evidence of foul play on the vessel.  I told Operator1 to inform me of the medical results on Victim. Operator1 called and informed me later that evening that Victim had not broken or fractured any bones and that they thought he may have pulled a muscle or bruised an area near an artery. 

West Point Lake
LAGRANGE                      