Boy killed in Sylvan Lake boat crash, 2 sisters in critical condition

Siblings were being pulled in inner tube when boater hit them

SYLVAN LAKE, Mich. – An 11-year-old boy was killed and his two young sisters critically hurt Sunday when a boat hit the inner tube they were being pulled in on Sylvan Lake.

Sources tell Local 4 the children were being pulled by their father -- who was on a jet ski -- when another boater crossed their path.

That boater told investigators he hadn't seen the children as he turned on the lake.

One child was killed, and two others severely injured in an accident on Sylvan Lake Sunday afternoon.

The children were rushed to the shore, where several witnesses who claimed to be doctors and nurses tried to help them before EMS arrived.

The 11-year-old boy died from his injuries. The Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office confirms the cause of death was head and chest trauma.

His sisters, ages 6 and 10, are hospitalized in critical condition.

Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the accident. 

The boater who hit the children is cooperating with investigators.


About the Authors:

Hank Winchester is Local 4’s Consumer Investigative Reporter and the head of WDIV’s “Help Me Hank” Consumer Unit. Hank works to solve consumer complaints, reveal important recalls and track down thieves who have ripped off people in our community.