BREAKING NEWS: One Dead, Three Injured in Lake of the Ozarks Boat Crash
A night on the water turned tragic Saturday when a pleasure boat crashed into a breakwater at Lake of the Ozarks, leaving one woman dead and three others injured.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the accident occurred around 7:45 p.m. near the 24-mile marker of the lake’s main channel. A 32-foot Crownline boat carrying 14 people slammed into a rock breakwater at high speed.
🕊️ Victim Identified
The crash claimed the life of 44-year-old Nicolette McKenna of Sunrise Beach, Missouri, who was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency personnel. McKenna was a passenger on the vessel and was reportedly seated near the front of the boat at the time of impact.
🚑 Injuries and Hospitalization
Three other passengers sustained injuries:
Bobby Childers, 60, of Sunrise Beach – the boat’s operator
Connor Wilkie, 21, of Kansas City
Curtis Wilkie, 49, of Kansas City
All three were transported to Lake Regional Hospital. Their injuries were described as moderate to minor.
⚖️ Operator Arrested
Childers was arrested on the scene and is facing multiple charges, including:
Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) resulting in death
Careless and imprudent operation of a vessel
He was booked into the Camden County Jail and is awaiting arraignment. Authorities confirmed that none of the 14 occupants were wearing life jackets.
📣 Authorities Respond
Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Water Division is continuing its investigation. Troopers are urging boaters to exercise caution, particularly during evening hours when visibility drops and lake traffic increases.
“This is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly things can go wrong on the water,” said Sgt. Scott White of MSHP. “We want everyone to enjoy the lake—but to do it responsibly.”
💬 Community Reaction
News of the crash has shaken the Lake Ozark community. McKenna, remembered by friends as “kind-hearted and full of life,” had lived in the area for over a decade. Local officials say a memorial vigil will be held in her honor later this week.
