A boat passenger on Gun Lake Sunday afternoon lost a leg that got tangled up in the vehicle’s motor
Barry County Sheriff’s deputies said the young man from Howell riding in a boat in one of the inlets on the lake’s south side. He jumped off the boat, but didn’t tell the driver. When the vehicle subsequently turned, victim came into contact with the motor.
A doctor from Detroit and another St. Joseph, who happened to be on the lake at the time quickly responded to the scene and used a tourniquet to stop the man’s bleeding. However, his leg had to be amputated just above the knee.
The victim, who reportedly was begin begin boot camp for the U.S. Marine Corps later this summer, was taken to shore near the Citgo gas station on Marsh Road and was loaded into an ambulance and taken to the hospital in serious condition. He is expected to survive.
The driver of the boat was from Allegan, but the identities of both were not disclosed. Authorities say alcohol was involved and that charges are expected to be filed.
