Patrol Says Boat Malfunctioned Before Three Were Ejected And One Killed

LAKE OF THE OZARKS, Mo. — The Highway Patrol says a bass boat experienced a mechanical malfunction before three people were thrown from the boat into the water on Wednesday, leaving one of them dead. The deceased man was from Arnold, Mo.

Troopers say the crash happened around 1 p.m. Nov. 4 at the 6 Mile Marker of the main channel. The Patrol's report states an 18-foot Tracker Avalanche "experienced a mechanical malfunction, causing the [58-year-old driver from Arnold] to lose control of the vessel." All three occupants were ejected.

Two occupants were rescued without injury.

The driver was reportedly not wearing a life jacket at the time of the crash. Divers recovered his body, and he was pronounced dead at the scene at 11:28 a.m. Nov. 5. His body was transported to Phillips Funeral Home in Eldon.