Desert storm wreck

[phragle]

Lickety Split the green DCB cat, 2 dead 1 in critical condtion. Thats all I know at this point

 

[Ratickle]

That's accurate Rob. Not good.

Driver and best friend gone. Wife in critical condition in Vegas hospital.

 

[fund razor]

Terrible.

Thoughts go out to the families.

 

[Ratickle]

2 killed after Desert Storm

A boating accident that killed two passengers and put another in “extremely critical” condition was reported at Contact Point near South Basin on Saturday following the Desert Storm Shootout, according to Mohave County Sheriff’s Office.

The Lickity Split, a DCB M35 Widebody 35-foot catamaran that reportedly reached speeds of 158 mph during the race on Saturday, was carrying three passengers at high speed when it crashed around 12:30 p.m., driver Brad Kloepfer, 57; his wife Connie Davis Kloepfer, 58; and Paul Selberg, 69, all of Lake Havasu City.

The Sheriff’s Office reported that several “Good Samaritan” boats arrived quickly to the scene, and pulled the passengers from the wreckage. Sheriffs were able to take over resuscitation efforts shortly afterwards, eventually transporting the three boaters to Havasu Regional Medical Center where the Brad Kloepfer and Selberg were pronounced dead. Connie Davis Kloepfer was listed in extremely critical condition.

The boat was recovered from the bottom of the lake by a local salvage company. Initial investigations showed that all three were wearing life jackets and the operator was wearing his safety kill switch. The case is still under investigation, though it is known high speeds were a contributing factor in the crash.

Rick Powell, a photographer who saw the wreck on video, said a wave launched the boat 50 feet in the air, causing it to flip.

Todd Taylor, who helps organize Desert Storm, was flying in a helicopter when the accident happened.

“We got there very fast. We saw the sheriff’s department and medical personnel were already there. It all worked; they were on it.

“The boating community is small and tight. We’re all friends and we see each other all over the country.”

“Brad wasn’t being stupid. He knew what he was doing.”

“We had our rescue boat and our divers on the course. They got out there pretty darn quickly and assisted with the recovery.”

Taylor said it was important to note the accident didn’t occur during an organized Desert Storm event. He said it occurred about an hour after the shootout.

“He loaded up his boat and went out for a joyride after the organized portion,” Taylor said.

Dan Herron, the safety coordinator for Desert Storm, said once word got out the group shut down the Shootout to send any available safety boats to assist the Sheriff’s Department with redirecting traffic away from the site.

Similarly, another accident involving Desert Storm participants happened Saturday morning near The Sandbar, away from the organized events, he said. That accident involved a 28-foot Eliminator boat. The Mohave County Sheriff’s Department said the victims had minor injuries.

Photos also: http://www.havasunews.com/free_acce...cle_19ea51c2-45bd-11e8-9d64-ffae838a2bb4.html

 

[Ratickle]

All I've heard is that she was airlifted to Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix and underwent surgery overnight for multiple spine and internal injuries.

Prayers for her.

 

[fund razor]

Prayers sent.

 

[Ratickle]

Help Connie Davis Kloepfer Fundraiser

Go Fund Me: https://www.gofundme.com/46n9vt-help-the-wright-family

If you have not heard already, Connie was involved in a horrific boating accident. She lost her husband Brad Kloepfer in the accident and she is in very critical condition.

Please support the Connie Davis Kloepfer family in helping beloved Connie through this horrific situation. The family is full of strength and optimizm but needs support for travel, accommodation and medical expenses. Any support is appreciated to help with this tragedy. The funds will go directly to the beneficiaries.

Benjamin Braitsch, Connie's son in law
Jackson, Michigan

 

[Ratickle]

I've seen video of the crash. A wave did not launch the boat 50' in the air like said in the newspaper article.

The Go Fund Me page is over $40,000 now towards their goal of $60,000.

 

[fund razor]

So it rolled like the last DCB M35?

 

[Ratickle]

Are you talking about the one that crossed the roost in 2013? If so, nothing like that.

 

[fund razor]

That's the one I was thinking of, but was thinking roost or wake... anything to get energy going from side to side.

It definitely didn't go 50 feet in the air. It definitely experienced rapid deceleration. Ugly.

 

[Ratickle]

No new updates on Connie's condition.

 

[Ratickle]

Connie did pass away yesterday in the hospital.

Sad.