On December 2, 2023, the family and guests were renting a house, and utilizing the boat dock and kayaks to recreate on Lake Travis/Colorado River. In the late morning around 11:00 am, Operator (60-year-old male) was in a one-seater blue kayak approximately 12ft in length with two grandkids on the kayak. The kayak did not have a motor and was paddle/oar propelled. The two grandkids were reported to be sitting towards the bow of the kayak. Subject1 and Subject2 were both wearing lifejackets. Operator was not wearing a lifejacket and was reported to be a good swimmer by his wife. Photos from the scene and statements from the lead investigator show an adult life jacket was stowed in the front hatch compartment of the kayak. 

At approximately 11:21am, the kayak with the three occupants capsized sending both kids and Operator into the water. No witnesses reported seeing the boat capsize or what immediately proceeded the capsizing. All that was reported was a commotion was heard coming from the water immediately after it capsized. Witness reports state that operator was able to assist both grandkids back into the kayak but then went underwater for an unknown duration and then resurfaced and held onto the kayak. 

A second kayak was near the boat dock or at the shore and one of the older grandkids paddled to the capsized kayak and tried to assist Operator who was reported to have a dazed look, glassed over eyes, and was not talking or responding. Operator was able to hold onto the kayak but was not able to keep his head above the water. 

The grandkid(s) had trouble holding onto Operator and daughter of Operator jumped into the water, with no PFD, and swam to Operator and pulled him back to the boat dock. She had trouble getting him onto the dock and eventually she and subject3 were able to pull him out of the water and onto the west side of the dock. He was not responsive or breathing and CPR was initiated by the family. Travis County EMS, Starflight (helicopter EMS), and the fire department arrived on scene and provided advanced life support. Operator was pronounced dead at 12:36 by MD and transported to the Travis County Medical Examiner's Office. Daughter was transported to the hospital for evaluation and care of possible hypothermia. 

No indication on how or why the vessel capsized was discovered. Case report, photos, CAD notes, and supplements were provided by Investigator. Autopsy was completed by the Travis County Medical Examiner. Cause of death determination is currently pending. 
 
Additional information for the case and investigation are available upon request by TCSO and TPWD. 



0743 TRAVIS
Lago Vista                    