Boating Death on Degray Lake
By: Josh Berry
Updated: May 26, 2012
A holiday weekend trip to the lake intended for fun and time off took a very sharp turn for the worse.
Clark County authorities report a woman on DeGray Lake was killed when a boat ran her over. They said the driver of that boat was an immediate family member of hers.
The woman, who authorities said was in her late 20's or early 30's was being pulled on an inter-tube and when she fell off, apparently went under the water and another boat, driven by a family member, ran her over.
It changes perspective on safety for a lot of folks out Memorial Day weekend. Some were thankful they weren't even on the water today.
"I just thank God we got here when we did and we wasn't in a boat at the time but I mean usually I am and I bring a boat, in a boat all the time," said boater, Jerry Mobley. "It's very unfortunate and I hate to hear it."
A buoy marker now marks the spot where the accident happened Saturday afternoon around 3:30.
It's in a location Southwest of a place called "Goat Island." That's near the Shouse Ford and Point Cedar Picinic area on the Northwest end of the lake.
Arkansas Game and Fish said it's a very secluded area which leaves boaters in a vulnerable position in emergencies.
It can sometimes take emergency crews over half an hour to respond.
In situations like this, Clark County Sheriff Jason Watson said working together with multiple authorities help in cutting down response times.
"We have a great partnership with all the surrounding agencies, and you can see that today," he said. "Everyone comes together to help us solve this."
Sheriff Watson added, "Obviously it's a tragedy and we never want to hear of these things, we're just trying to get the information that we have increased activity due to the holiday and to please watch your surroundings. Go slow and be safe and look out for everybody."
He told KARK this death specifically was only an accident, however taking extra precaution on busy days like this is imperative.
Sheriff Watson said it's still too early to determine if any alcohol was involved but protocol requires testing the driver of the boat.
Sheriff Watson said they are investigating the in's and out's of this boating accident.
Authorities don't want to release the victim's name until they can confirm the parents have been notified.
Until then, the body has been transferred to a funeral home in Malvern.
Clark County authorities report a woman on DeGray Lake was killed when a boat ran her over. They said the driver of that boat was an immediate family member of hers.
The woman, who authorities said was in her late 20's or early 30's was being pulled on an inter-tube and when she fell off, apparently went under the water and another boat, driven by a family member, ran her over.
It changes perspective on safety for a lot of folks out Memorial Day weekend. Some were thankful they weren't even on the water today.
"I just thank God we got here when we did and we wasn't in a boat at the time but I mean usually I am and I bring a boat, in a boat all the time," said boater, Jerry Mobley. "It's very unfortunate and I hate to hear it."
A buoy marker now marks the spot where the accident happened Saturday afternoon around 3:30.
It's in a location Southwest of a place called "Goat Island." That's near the Shouse Ford and Point Cedar Picinic area on the Northwest end of the lake.
Arkansas Game and Fish said it's a very secluded area which leaves boaters in a vulnerable position in emergencies.
It can sometimes take emergency crews over half an hour to respond.
In situations like this, Clark County Sheriff Jason Watson said working together with multiple authorities help in cutting down response times.
"We have a great partnership with all the surrounding agencies, and you can see that today," he said. "Everyone comes together to help us solve this."
Sheriff Watson added, "Obviously it's a tragedy and we never want to hear of these things, we're just trying to get the information that we have increased activity due to the holiday and to please watch your surroundings. Go slow and be safe and look out for everybody."
He told KARK this death specifically was only an accident, however taking extra precaution on busy days like this is imperative.
Sheriff Watson said it's still too early to determine if any alcohol was involved but protocol requires testing the driver of the boat.
Sheriff Watson said they are investigating the in's and out's of this boating accident.
Authorities don't want to release the victim's name until they can confirm the parents have been notified.
Until then, the body has been transferred to a funeral home in Malvern.
