Four Dead Following Accident on Georgia’s Lake Lanier

[Speed on the Water]

Such sad news to report. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Art, Melissa, Anthony and Tammy.

http://speedonthewater.com/in-the-news/3801-four-dead-following-accident-on-georgia-s-lake-lanier

 

[Ratickle]

I've been watching this closely and chatting with people there. I did not want to report anything because of the conflicting information as to how many pwople were on the boat. Some have reported the four identified above as the total, others have said five and six.

That boat was a beautiful boat. I was at the factory the day it was started and left to go to Art on Lake Cumberland. With its 1650's it was very fast. Initial reports are saying the boat was traveling at a high rate of speed when it hit a wake and flipped.

There are several pictures with the Fox Atlanta story here: http://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/174912342-story

 

[fund razor]

I was aware and watching the developments also, but like you, didn't want to post until we knew more. Out of respect for all involved, families of those onboard as well as the folks at Skater, who I knew would be very upset. While I looked for developments, I learned more about Art. Seemed like he lived life full out. I can't imagine how he accomplished all of the things he did while following his passions so deeply. The guy was obviously a force, and a local icon to his area. What an incredible loss to his community. Mind boggling.
Prayers to the friends and families of the two couples we've been told were running, and to their larger family of communities where they live.

My deepest condolences to those of you who knew these folks well.
And a special prayer for the folks at Skater too. That's not just a brand, that's a family.

 

[Wrinkleface]

Very sad. Sincere thoughts for all family & friends.

 

[Serious News]

Latest update,

http://www.wave3.com/story/32462231...ir-husbands-missing-after-ga-boating-accident

 

[Serious News]

DNR: Speed Was 'A Major Factor' In Deadly Lake Lanier Crash

The victims were in a high-performance racing boat when they crashed and overturned on Friday, authorities say.
By Doug Gross (Patch Staff) - July 20, 2016 2:01 pm ET 

CUMMING, GA — Speed was a "major factor" in a Lake Lanier boat crash on Friday that killed four people, state authorities said Wednesday.

"It was a major factor -- just by the amount of damage that was done to the boat and also based on witness accounts," said Maj. Stephen Adams, with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources law enforcement division. "We felt like that initially, but we wanted to talk to witnesses and everything to be sure."

DNR rangers found the bodies of two male victims just after midnight Sunday. They were Arthur Gene McMahan, Jr., 46, of Mount Washington, Kentucky, and Anthony Reece, Jr. 44, of Columbia, Kentucky.

The bodies of two female victims had been recovered late Friday.

They were identified as Melissa Renee McMahan, 45, and 44-year-old Tammy Reece.

Investigators believe Arthur McMahan, who owned the high-end speedboat, was driving at the time of the crash.

The boat was a 388 Skater -- a high-performance, offshore racing boat, Adams said.

The crash happened just west of Cocktail Cove and the Lake Lanier Islands Resort. Officials believe the four victims were in town for the popular Pirates of Lanier Charity Poker Run.

A full investigation into all the causes of the crash is expected to take at least 30 days, according to Adams.

"What we don't know is, was this speed and they hit a wake, or speed and operator error -- he made a radical turn or something -- or was it a mechanical failure?" Adams said.

Adams said that when emergency crews arrived, 15-20 boats already were scrambling in the area of the crash, trying to help the victims.

"Although it was a tragic outcome, it's really good to see people trying to help others out," he said. "That was something that was very evident."

And while all the details of the case remain unknown, Adams said it's a good reminder to practice basic safety rules when on the water.

Always wear a life jacket, consider taking a boater safety course and remember that boating and alcohol don't mix, Adams said.

http://patch.com/georgia/cumming/dnr-speed-was-major-factor-deadly-lake-lanier-crash