In a devastating incident on Lake Pleasant in Arizona, a 6-year-old girl has tragically lost her life after being accidentally struck by a boat propeller. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) confirmed the heartbreaking news, revealing that the incident occurred when two families, comprising a total of 12 people, were out on a boat on the lake.
The girl’s mother, who was operating the boat, was unaware that her daughter was in the water when she started driving, pulling the father on a wakeboard. The father, upon noticing someone in the water, swam over and discovered that it was his own daughter, with her leg amputated by the boat’s propeller.
According to witnesses at the scene, the child was immediately transported to the lake marina by her family. MCSO deputies and fire personnel met them there and provided immediate aid to the child. She was then rushed to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced deceased. The incident is currently under investigation, but the sheriff’s office has stated that impairment does not appear to be a factor in this heartbreaking tragedy. Furthermore, it was reported that all 12 occupants of the boat were wearing life vests.
The community has rallied around the grieving families, offering their support and condolences during this unimaginably difficult time. The MCSO is providing counseling services to those affected by the tragedy, recognizing the profound impact it has had on everyone involved. The investigation into the incident will continue as authorities work to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the accident.