A 14-year-old boy died after falling overboard in Lake Huron, in Chippewa County, Michigan, being run over by the boat and becoming tangled in the boat’s propeller Tuesday morning, August 6, 2024. The incident has left the community in shock and mourning.
Chippewa County Central Dispatch received a distress call at 8:31 a.m. for a water rescue between Drummond Island and Howard Island, located in the northernmost part of Michigan, near the Canadian border. The Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office reported that the teen fell from a boat and was injured by the boat’s propeller.
Investigators stated that the woman operating the boat acted quickly by turning off the engine and jumping into the water to assist the boy. She was able to flag down a passing fisherman who provided additional help. Together, they managed to get the boy out of the water and transport him to Drummond Island, where first responders were waiting.
The Chippewa Co Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Drummond Island Fire and Rescue, EMS, Central Dispatch and the Chippewa County Victim Services Unit. Despite their efforts, the teen was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the tragic details. The quick actions of the boat operator and the fisherman were commendable, but sadly, it was too late to save the boy.
The Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office has asked the public to keep the victim’s family and the boat operator in their thoughts and prayers.
