Contact: Sgt. Joel Roon - 616.632.6106
Email: joel.roon@kentcountymi.gov
Supervisor Approval: Sgt. Morey
Case Number: 125105-19
Incident Type: Boating Accident With Injuries

CASCADE Twp, Mich - On 5-17-2019 at 6:58 p.m., a 22ft pontoon boat was traveling north on the Thornapple River and struck a concrete bridge pillar under the M6 overpass. The boat was occupied by 8 teenagers from the Forest Hills/Cascade area who had been out all afternoon celebrating high school graduation. The boating accident was witnessed by a nearby fisherman who called 911. A quick response from Cascade Fire, who deployed their marine vessel and received mutual aid from Caledonia fire, resulted in all 8 teens being rescued from the boat and transferred to nearby boat launch. Three of the eight teens were transported for various injuries to Spectrum Butterworth Hospital by Life Ambulance. The investigation is ongoing; alcohol is believed to be a factor in the accident.