On July 29, 2023, at approximately 7:50pm, I, Game Warden 1, was informed by Labette County Sheriffs Office of an accident involving a vessel pulling a tube at Big Hill Lake. I arrived at the scene at approximately 8:12pm. When I arrived, I was directed to an unknown white female, later identified as Injured 2. I noticed blood on her head while walking up to her. I asked Injured 2 what happened. Injured 2 stated they were out tubing and they curved too much and ended up getting into the rocks. I asked Injured 2 if it was her dad driving the boat she stated yes. I asked Injured 2 what her dad’s name was she stated Operator. I asked Injured 2 how long they were out on the boat she stated about 3 hours. I asked Injured 2 which side of the tube she was on she stated the right side. Injured 2 also stated her sister-in-law Injured 1 was on the tube with her. I asked Injured 2 when the tube swung too wide if it flipped. Injured 2 stated the tube hit a rock and flipped gesturing with her hands the tube flipping over to the right. Injured 2 also stated she could not tell exactly what happened because she closed her eyes. I asked Injured 2 who else was on the boat she stated her dad and two children. I informed Injured 2 if I had any additional questions I would contact her later. After I was done interviewing Injured 2 a white flatbed truck pulling a boat arrived. I approached the driver a white male, later identified as Operator, and began asking him questions. I asked Operator what happened. Operator stated they were taking the boat out for one last ride and started heading towards the dam. Operator continued stating that he was telling the tubers that he was going to turn by the bank. Operator then stated he turned and brought the tubers around, he was too close, they hit the rocks and flipped. I asked Operator if his grandkids were in the boat with him he stated they were on the bank. Operator stated his daughter and daughter in law were on the tube. I asked Operator if he had a mirror on the boat he stated he did not. I asked Operator if he had a skier down flag he stated he did not. I began to look the boat over for safety equipment life vests, a fire extinguisher and a throw cushion were visible. I asked Operator if there was any beer or  alcohol on the boat he stated no and I could look in the cooler. I looked in the cooler and there was no alcohol. I asked Operator if there was anything else that he could think of that led up to the accident. Operator stated he had been out there for 2.5 hours and turned around telling the tubers he was going to turn. Operator continued stating he looked back when was turning and he turned hard. Operator also stated he was not going full speed but it was enough to get them on the rocks. I told Operator I would take photos of the boat and tube. Operator filled out a witness statement on what happened. Operator finished his statement and I collected his phone number. Operator then left the scene. For full incident report see attachment.
Big Hill
Cherryvale                    