By David Chang and Morgan Zalot
SOMERS POINT, NEW JERSEY
A father and his 8-year-old son who were visiting Somers Point from Maryland this holiday weekend died tragically when authorities say their jet ski crashed into another jet ski in the Patcong Creek. Officials said a woman riding on the other jet ski also suffered injuries in the crash but is expected to be OK. (Published Sunday, July 3, 2016)
Friends and family are mourning a father and son who were killed in a jet ski crash in Somers Point, New Jersey late Saturday afternoon.
The unidentified Maryland man was riding on a jet ski with his 8-year-old son Saturday around 4:45 p.m. on the Patcong Creek, police said. As they rounded a sharp curve, they struck another jet ski that was rounding the curve from the opposite direction head-on, according to investigators.
The father and son were both taken to Shore Memorial Hospital, where they died from their injuries. Police also say a 55-year-old Egg Harbor Township woman who was on the other jet ski suffered a broken wrist.
Both watercraft involved in the crash were taken to a nearby marina and impounded pending further forensic examination. Police continue to investigate the cause of the accident but say the limited sight line at the location of the crash and the fact that the boy was closest to the watercraft steering and controls are being looked at as possible factors.
Father and Son Die in Watercraft Accident in Somers PointA Maryland man and his 8-year-old son both died in a watercraft accident in Somers Point, New Jersey late Saturday afternoon. A woman who was also involved in the crash suffered a broken wrist. (Published Sunday, July 3, 2016)
In their press release on the fatal accident, New Jersey State Police provided a link to information about boating safety and laws.