FWC Confirms Boat Collided with a Jet Ski in Manatee County Waters
One brother was killed, and another was in critical condition after a fatal boating accident in Bradenton, Florida. The crash occurred on Saturday, July 15th, in Manatee County. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, the incident involved a collision between the boat the brothers were on and a jet ski operated by a 45-year-old man.
It is unclear what caused the tragedy that claimed the life of 14-year-old Hunter Ganey. As reported by 10 Tampa Bay, Hunter’s 17-year-old brother was taken to a local hospital for treatment. A GoFundMe started on behalf of the family, notes that the teen was in ICU after the accident with an unknown outcome. He was being treated at Tampa General Hospital with family members by his side.
Deadly Accident on the Manatee River
Fox 13 is reporting that the boys were on a fishing trip at the time of the accident. They were on the Manatee River when their boat collided with a jet ski. The incident is being investigated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission in partnership with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. The operator of the jet ski was only identified as a 45-year-old resident of Palmetto.
Details about the accident remain limited as the investigation continues. The entire Manatee County community mourns the loss of the young teen and hopes for the quick recovery of his 17-year-old brother. The GoFundMe fundraiser has raised over $38,000 for the family of the two boys in this unimaginable event. The money will be used to help cover funeral and medical costs for the brothers.
What to Do If You Are Involved in a Boating Accident
If you are involved in a boating accident, it is important to contact local law enforcement as quickly as possible.
Even if you are unsure of the extent of the injuries to yourself or another person, law enforcement can help determine what happened and whether emergency medical personnel should be dispatched.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) often works in conjunction with local agencies to investigate boat accidents on coastal and intrastate waters. In many cases, it may be unclear initially who or what caused the crash. Trained professionals can conduct an in-depth investigation to determine what happened.
Unthinkable Loss for the Family
The recent boat accident is an unthinkable loss for the family and the entire community. At Mase Seitz Briggs, we join with others in offering our sympathies for all of those affected by this and other boating tragedies throughout the state. Our firm is committed to helping in any way that we can during these difficult times.
Contact Our Office to Learn More
To learn more about how we can help, contact our office at (844) 627-3529 to speak with a member of our legal team. At Mase Seitz Briggs, we are experienced advocates that will do everything possible to help you and your family. Call now to discuss your case. We proudly serve clients in Miami and all of South Florida.