A boating accident on Lake Austin claimed the life of a 14-year-old boy who was preparing to begin his freshman year at Lake Travis High School.
The accident occurred on Sunday, August 13, when the boat carrying Kaden Forke hit the wake of another vessel. This caused his boat to lose control and run into the bank. Forke was ejected from the boat during the crash.
The Austin Police Department confirmed in a press release that Forke’s body was found the following evening, August 14, near the crash site by Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan Park.
Austin-Travis County EMS confirmed that a passenger went missing after the boat ran aground, prompting a rescue mission. The mission transitioned into recovery mode around 7 pm on Sunday.
The crash was classified as a “Level-5” mass casualty incident by Austin-Travis County EMS. Several other passengers were injured, with at least two sustaining serious injuries. It is unclear if the occupants were wearing life jackets during the ride.
The accident on Lake Austin was not the only fatal incident that day. Another deadly accident involving a jet ski occurred that afternoon.
To support the Forke family after the tragic event, a GoFundMe page was established, raising over $20,000 as of Wednesday.