Family Speaks Out After Modesto Reservoir Watercraft Crash
A family was celebrating an annual tradition at the Modesto Reservoir on May 28, 2017. The celebration took a drastic turn when two family members became victims of an alleged intentional watercraft accident.
Family Recalls Events Leading to Crash
A 16-year-old Oakland boy was riding on a Sea-Doo jet ski with his 28-year-old brother. Family members claim that the motorist of a boat was taunting the two brothers to race him. The boat driver allegedly continued to harass the two brothers, making racial comments to convince the brothers to race. When the brothers refused to race, the day at the lake turned into a tragedy. The man’s boat collided with the jet ski the two were riding on, an act that the family claims was intentional by the boat driver. Sadly, the impact of the collision caused the older sibling to suffer major injuries and the younger sibling to suffer fatal injuries.
Our deepest sympathies are with the loved ones of the young man that passed away in this tragic boat accident. We extend our best wishes for a full recovery to other brother involved.
Family History with Boat Driver
The brother of the two victims stated the same man attempted to race him on the same lake last year. The brother claimed that it was not his intention to race the man. However, the man thought it was a race so the brother accelerated his watercraft alongside the man’s boat. The brother allegedly won the race because his watercraft was in the front. However, the brother never thought that anything like this incident would happen.
Watch YouTube Video – By: KCRA News – Family Says Boat Driver Shouted Racial Slurs Before Hitting Teen
The wife of the surviving victim in the watercraft accident spoke out on the behalf of their family. The family believes the driver intentionally allowed his boat to collide with the two brothers. The collision critically injured the older brother, leaving him with a fractured pelvis and punctured kidney, and taking away the life of the younger brother. A senseless tragedy has now forever changed the lives of the family.
Ongoing Investigation
The crash remains under investigation by the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department. Family members believe the collision was the aftermath of a hate crime. However, law enforcement officials disagree.
Young Life Forever Remembered
The 16-year-old boy from Oakland had recently moved with his parents to Merced in hopes of becoming an engineer. The boy told family members that once he achieved his dream career that he would help those who helped him along the way. Unfortunately, the boy passed on before he could show his appreciation for his loved ones by giving back to them. A GoFundMe account has been set up by his family members to cover the expenses of his funeral.
Waterfront Accidents
In 2015, there were 4,158 boating accidents that caused 2,613 traumatic injuries and 626 deaths (United States Coast Guard). These accidents tend to occur due to inexperienced boat drivers, alcohol use, reckless driving and speed. Accidents involving watercraft can cause a victim to sustain injuries such as broken bones, concussion, lacerations and scrapes. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from a waterfront accident, we recommend you contact an experienced personal injury lawyer who can study the sequence of events leading up to the crash and pinpoint liability.
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Modesto Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto wrongful death lawyer. If someone you love has suffered serious or fatal injuries out on the water due to the negligence of someone else, please call me at (209) 227-1931 for free, friendly advice. I also may be reached toll-free at (800) 404-5400.
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