20-Year-Old Man Dies From Oregon Boating Accident; Operator Was Inexperienced

Newberg, Oregon -- A 20-year-old man succumed to injuries after being hit by a boat, Monday, authorities confirmed. The police found the operator of the boat was a 17-year-old boy.

The tragic incident occurred around 4 p.m. on Monday at Rogers Landing in Newberg, Oregon. The victim was with a juvenile companion on inner tubes that were being towed by a 1994 Four Winns 17-inch fiberglass boat on the Willamette River when they were hit by the boat, according to a news release from the Yamhill County Sheriff's Office. Their names have not been released by the authorities.

Both victims were rushed to a local hospital by the Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue (TVFR) team. The man suffered from life-threatening injuries, while the younger victim is still receiving medical care, according to Oregon Live.

Preliminary investigation has revealed that the cause of the accident could be the inexperience of the operator at the time, Yamhill County Sheriff Officer, Sergeant Sam Elliott told KOIN, “Both the teenager and a parent, who was on board the boat at the time of the incident hold valid Oregon Boater Education cards.”

The boat was reportedly towing the two inner tubes behind it. It then turned and over corrected, running the two victims over. The incident turned fatal despite the protective gear and flotation devices worn by the victims.

“This was absolutely devastating," the TVFR's Kim Haughn said, "and our hearts go out to everyone involved and everyone that witnessed it too. We never want to respond to a call like this. This is absolutely tragic. We just feel horrible for the family. It was an accident. Things do happen, but it's heartbreaking.”

All those involved in the incident knew each other and the operator of the boat is related to one of the victims.