Boy Killed In Boat Accident After Dad Falls On Throttle: Report

A Florida boy who died over Labor Day weekend in a boating accident in the Florida Keys reportedly fell overboard because his father lost his balance and sprawled onto the throttle, according to officials and a news report.

According to the Monroe County Sheriff's office, the 15-year-old Alva boy was struck on Sunday in or near Kemp Channel, the body of water that separates Cudjoe and Summerland Key. The boy, identified in a report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission as 15-year-old Hayden Schreyer, was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

The FWC report says the boat's operator, a 46-year-old man, lost his balance and fell on the throttle, causing the boat to take off suddenly. The boy then fell overboard and was struck in the head by the propeller. The Fort-Myers News Press, which first reported on the cause of the accident, noted that the operator of the boat was the boy's father.

The FWC report said the accident was not alcohol-related and no arrests have been made. The boat operator suffered a broken tibia while six others on the boat were uninjured.

The FWC is conducting a boating accident investigation into the incident. The agency also extended its condolences to the victim's family and friends.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Hayden's family.

"We’re all heartbroken over the tragic loss of Hayden," the GoFundMe organizer wrote. "He was loved by so many and will be missed dearly."

Photo via GoFundMe

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