Jet Skiing Ends in Fatality Reports Lee, Gober & Reyna

Austin, TX (Law Firm Newswire) October 8, 2015 – Matthew Rowan was mere days away from going to college when he collided with a friend while they were jet skiing at Possum Kingdom Lake. Rowan later died of his injuries.

Matthew Rowan and his friend Jeremy Summers were making the most out of the last days of summer before starting a new year and going off to college. Both young men loved to jet ski and spent the day at the lake jumping waves big boats left behind them.

It was close to 3 p.m. when they spotted a large cruiser boat and went over to jump its wake. The boys collided and Rowan sustained severe head injuries. Summers was not injured. Although Rowan was quickly taken to the nearest medical facility, he was pronounced dead on arrival.

“Jet skiing is a fun sport, but it is also dangerous, as this case indicates,” said Austin personal injury attorney, Bobby Lee, of Lee, Gober & Reyna, who is not involved in this case. “Even though both young men likely had some experience with handling jet skis, when moving at higher speeds in uncertain conditions, anything can happen.”

It was not readily apparent if alcohol was involved in this collision, a matter under investigation by the Brazos River Authority.

According to various government reports, most personal watercraft accidents, which includes jet skis, involve under-trained boaters, undereducated operators, excessive speed (jet skis can reach a speed of 70 mph), reckless operation, inattention, driving while under the influence and other violations of the boating rules and regulations.

The most recent figures released the American Boating Association for fatalities involving watercraft for 2014 indicate 4,064 accidents, 610 deaths, 2,678 injuries and roughly $39 million in property damages. For more information on boating accidents statistics for the U.S. visit: https://americanboating.org/boating_fatality.asp

“If you have been involved in a boating accident, speak to a competent personal injury attorney to determine if there was negligence involved and what you may expect if you wish to file a lawsuit,” said Lee.

To learn more, visit http://www.lgrlawfirm.com

Lee, Gober & Reyna
11940 Jollyville Road #220-S
Austin, Texas 78759
Phone: 512.478.8080

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