Boat Wreck Update
Morgantown Dominion Post
28 May 2015
By Alex Lang
Investigators are meeting with people involved in a multi-injury
boat wreck on Cheat Lake, while officials remain mum on many
details of the accident.
About 9 p.m. on Memorial Day, 12 young adults were injured in a
single-boat wreck. None of the injuries were believed to be
life-threatening, though three people were taken by helicopter to
a hospital and two others by ambulance.
The Division of Natural Resources (DNR) is handling the
investigation.
The names and ages of the victims haven’t been released, but
according to DNR spokesman Hoy Murphy, all were between age 18 and
their early 20s.
Seven patients were taken to Ruby Memorial Hospital, and on
Tuesday, a 20-year-old man, a 19-year-old woman and an 18-year-old
woman were listed in serious condition. A 20-year-old man and
three 21-year-old men were listed in fair condition.
On Wednesday, a 20-year-old man remained in serious condition. A
19-year-old woman, a 18-year-old woman and a 21-year-old man were
listed in fair condition.
It is Mon General’s policy not to confirm whether someone is a
patient or provide condition information.
According to Murphy, the investigation will include interviews and
reconstruction of the wreck using the 23-foot ski boat. Officers
haven’t said what caused the boat to strike an embankment.
The investigation could take several weeks, Murphy said.
Officials also declined to answer whether controlled substances
were found, whether life jackets were worn, whether the boat had
lights or whether the driver was licensed.
Chelsea Ruby, spokeswoman for the Department of Commerce, also
declined to discuss any aspects of the investigation. The DNR
falls under the Department of Commerce’s purview. Ruby said that
information will not be released as the investigation is ongoing.