According to the report from Oklahoma Highway Patrol, a personal injury boating accident occurred 07/12/2024, at approximately 9:51 PM, on Lake Tenkiller, just south of Goat Island in Cherokee County.
Vessel 1: A 1991 Bass Tracker, 17 ft in length, operated by Jeff Christie, of Bunch, OK, was stopped in the water trying to get the lights to work. Vessel -2: A 2012 Cobalt, 28ft in length, operated by Richard Gallant of Cookson, Oklahoma hit the Bass Tracker. Gallant stated that he thought he saw a log in the water and slowed down before hitting Vessel 1.
Vessel 1 Passenger Talia Poafpybitty of Bunch, Ok. was taken to St. Johns Hospital in Tulsa by First Flight with head injuries and admitted in stable condition.
The OHP report states that the condition of Operator Vessel-1 and Operator Vessel- 2 was Odor of alcohol.
The cause of Incident is listed as “No Navigational Lights on Vessel-1”.
The weather was clear.
Personal Floatation Devices were not equpped nor in use in either vessel.
Investigated by the Marine Enforcement Division of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Assisted by Marine Enforcement Division of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Cherokee/ Adair detachment of Troop C, Cookson Fire Department, First Flight and Cherokee Nation EMS.
“This report is based upon the trooper’s investigation of this incident. It may contain the opinion of the trooper.”
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