Two Children Struck by a Jet Ski at Bass Lake, One Killed, One Seriously Injured

One child has been killed and another has been seriously injured at Bass Lake, according to the Madera County Sheriff’s Office. It happened not far from Miller’s Landing on the lake.

Investigators call the incident an accident, however there is an ongoing investigation. They said around 4:30pm on Saturday, a jet ski hit the children as they swam near their boat. A 13-year old boy has been killed, and a 16-year old girl was airlifted to Community Regional Medical Center with serious head injuries, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Investigators said the children were related, but were not specific on their relation.

Michelle Miller is one of the owners of Miller’s Landing. She said she can’t even remember the last time such a tragic accident happened at Bass Lake.

"It certainly was a scene that we’d hope to never see again. It was of course, everyone is shocked and frantic, and the family’s distraught," described Miller of the traumatic scene.

Miller witnessed as parents scrambled for help at the dock.

She said, "As a mom, there’s just, you really can’t explain how my heart is hurting for her and for their entire family of course. But to live that with her was obviously something that you’ll never forget and I can only pray for her strength and her healing."

Lt. Bill Ward with the Sheriff’s Office said they are calling the incident an accident, but said the driver of the jet ski could be charged with negligence because the boat that the children were swimming near, had the appropriate flagging. Ward said alcohol was not involved in this case.

"The thing to remember with boats and water craft is they aren’t like cars. You can’t stop, and often time they don’t turn the same way either, so they handle, they behave a lot differently than automobiles do," stated Ward.

Miller said they rigorously train people on how to appropriately use their watercraft. With the upcoming July 4th weekend, she said she hopes people will remember this tragic accident and be mindful of their actions.