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Commission reports Dec. 19 boating fatality at Bay Almedo; toxicology pending, memorial plans underway
Summary
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission reported a Dec. 19 boating accident on a wildlife management area that killed a 33‑year‑old after the vessel struck a tree; the agency said the boat likely was traveling at excessive speed, toxicology results are pending, and it is partnering with an NGO and the victim’s widow on a safety memorial.
Doug Schoenrock briefed the committee on a fatal boating accident that occurred on Dec. 19 in a wildlife management area (WMA) at Bay Almedo. He said the 15‑foot vessel struck a tree in flooded timber, ejecting the passenger; the injured occupant was med‑flighted but later died from injuries. Schoenrock said physical evidence from vessel and tree damage suggests the boat was traveling at an excessive speed for the conditions.
Schoenrock said toxicology tests are mandatory in any fatality and that results were not yet available. He said the agency is working with a non‑governmental group and the widow to memorialize the victim and to promote boating safety messaging to discourage reckless behavior and dangerous boat races that appear on social media.
Committee members expressed support for the widow’s outreach efforts and discussed the risk that viral social media content can encourage risky behavior at flooded timber sites. The commission offered to coordinate safety messaging and partner on outreach efforts; the committee did not take formal action.
