Two young girls tragically lost their lives in a devastating accident at Lake Marie in Antioch, Illinois. The incident occurred when a 16-year-old girl was operating a Yamaha jet ski with a 13-year-old passenger on board. According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, the jet ski collided with a Sea Ray Cabin Cruiser around 5:15 p.m.
Eyewitnesses reported that the teens were traveling at high speed towards the channel to Grass Lake, directly in the path of the approaching boat. Despite efforts to avoid a collision, the two watercrafts crashed into each other. Deputy Chief Chris Covelli from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office described the incident as a tragic and unfortunate accident, noting that it appeared the girls were unable to make any sharp maneuvers to avoid the collision.
Both girls were wearing life vests at the time of the crash, but they were knocked unconscious and thrown into the water upon impact. The occupants of the Sea Ray immediately sprang into action, pulling the girls out of the water, calling 911, and providing aid. One of the girls was taken to shore by the boat operator, while the other was brought ashore by the operator of a passing boat.
Despite efforts to save them, both girls were pronounced dead at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville. The victims were identified as a 16-year-old girl from Lakewood, California, and a 13-year-old girl from Long Grove, Illinois. The names of the girls have not been released, and the Lake County Coroner’s Office is scheduled to conduct an autopsy.
The tragic incident has left the community in mourning, and the crash is currently under investigation by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. The authorities are working to determine the circumstances that led to the collision and to ensure that such accidents can be prevented in the future.
As families and friends grieve the loss of the two young girls, it serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures while enjoying water activities. Tragedies like this highlight the need for caution and vigilance to prevent accidents and protect lives on the water. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families affected by this heartbreaking event.