Saturday, July 15, 2017, 10:21 AM
Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating boat accident which occurred on Geist Reservoir Friday afternoon. At approximately 3:25 P.M. the Fishers Police Department received a 911 call from the 17-year old operator of the boat. When officers arrived at the scene, located on the northeast end of the reservoir in Hamilton County, they discovered the victim, Alec Harris of Fishers (age 18), with serious injuries to both feet. He was transported to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, where he underwent surgery to repair deep lacerations, broken bones, and torn tendons and ligaments.
Upon further investigation, Indiana Conservation Officer Billy Doss determined that Harris’ injuries had been caused by a propeller strike. Harris had been tubing when the accident occurred. He had been thrown off the tube in a turn and the boat which was towing him came back around and ran over him. Neither of the 15-year old girls on board the boat who were observing saw Harris fall off the tube and the operator was unaware until it was too late.
Indiana Conservation Officers would like to remind boaters of the importance of proper observing during towing activities. Indiana law requires that observers give their “full attention” to persons being towed at all times.
Alcohol was not a factor in the accident, and no charges are expected to be filed.
Sent by Indiana DNR Law Enforcement District 4