Tournament Angler Killed After Boats Collide on Lake Murray

[@DieterMelhorn]

Thanks to everyone who has reached out to me privately and confidentially with information on this tragedy. For now, I will not share any of these details until they become public information through the investigative / criminal process.

[@james76gore48]

The whole lake should be a no wake zone during fog situations. Just a thought.

[@oxyfee6486]

We asked a guy to leave our club up here in Canada, he was always coming into the dock Hot. Twice he said his Hotfoot was sticking, but he continued to do it, until he finally ran into my friends brand new Ranger, my friend spent three days in the Hospital, both boats were destroyed. He just refused to slow down.

[@larryhobbs8769]

The fog ain’t no joke. I agree slow down. That mapping don’t show where the other boats are. This was no accident. This was immature and irresponsible. No fish is worth risking your life over. I fish Lake Murray and the bass boats are just as bad as the jet skis. Prayers for the family.

[@DieterMelhorn]

Yes, mapping only shows where the land is…..I’m more worried about someone running into me than me running into someone.

[@zadenbroadcasting8915]

​@@DieterMelhornI watched it happen on tiktok.

[@achevyrider8435]

When I was out there that Thursday the fog was terrible bout 20 yards visibility some of them were driving to fast I cut my losses and got off that water that Thursday

[@freetimeoffshore3157]

Slow down is right, even if you have radar!!

[@jimmyedwards2252]

Bass boaters and tournament fisherman are totally dangerous. They only know one speed. WOT--WIDE OPEN THROTTLE

[@HomesickforAlaska]

I have sat in the truck for hours at the ramp at Guntersville Dam waiting for the fog to lift. I will not launch the boat with pretty much any fog on the water. As others have said, sure I can navigate with my GPS and Navionics and even without fog my head is constantly on a swivel, but I have had 2 close calls on 90 degree blue sky days. I DO NOT TRUST other boaters to operate there vessel safely or frankly SOBER. Quick side note. About 5 years ago my brother and I took a guided trip on Kentucky Lake I believe, we were both concerned when the guide opened a cooler at 8am and broke out a beer, by 10am a six pack was gone. I have a muscle disease and need to take pain pills if I exert myself to much, the guide asked what I was taking, so I explained my situation and he asked if he could have one. We had a full day trip booked but my brother and I both instantly said we were done fishing and wanted to go in. He drank 2 more beers on the way back in. This was a licensed supposedly professional guide. LOTS of unsafe people on the water.

[@DieterMelhorn]

Very good post with lots of great perspective….thank you.

[@garycotz563]

ANY Captain that has a USCG License will LOSE it if they have had any alcohol while captaining. You should have reported him to the local USCG Auxiliary and to the USCG site.

[@andrew_brent]

I'm 50 years old and have bass fished most of my life, so I'm very aware of the dangers on the water and I'll have to say the most dangerous time is during a tournament, seems like most of the boaters lose all safety senses and only focus on catching fish. Let's all be careful guys!!!

[@sandraspears6389]

I totally agree. I live very near to Lake Murry and fish there all the time. I hate it when the tournaments come to town, because being on the water is so dangerous with all those boats Speeding at all out top throttle to get from one spot to the next is crazy. They don't seem to care who is around them. I refuse to be on the water when there is a tournament here! I am sorry for the young man who assed due to this event and I pray for his family.

[@andrew_brent]

@@sandraspears6389 agree 💯

[@chadwoodward2402]

My best friend and fishing partner was at that tournament. He told me the day before the practice should have been cancelled because someone is going to get hurt. Unfortunately his statements rang true the next day. A sad day for the bass fishing world.

[@DieterMelhorn]

Sadly, many times those words of warning are overlooked because they fall back to “the captain has the ultimate decision to go not”…..

[@chadwoodward2402]

@@DieterMelhorn unfortunately these kids still think they are invincible and don't necessarily make the best decisions. It's up to the tournament directors to sometimes make an unfavorable call to protect the anglers and others on the water. That goes for both adults and young anglers. Having my friend there knowing the conditions was not a comfortable feeling. Luckily when the conditions were bad he was fast idling when moving around the lake. All we can do is pray for the family and the kids involved.

[@oldguyrulesweyerman6955]

Dieter I don't think it should have been left up to the boat captain. They will default to get out and fish because of the money or what ever. It is up to the tournament's safety director to make the tuff call's, in this case it appears that call was not made correctly. Murser podcast at Bassmaster had this very same discussion with the Bassmaster Tournament Director just last year. Very interesting episode.

[@chadwoodward2402]

@@oldguyrulesweyerman6955 unfortunately I'm college they don't have Captains like they do in highschool. The captain of the boat is one of the young anglers. You're right that this was a tough call the had to make by the director. It's wouldn't have been a popular decision but it would have been the right one in the case of heavy fog.

[@CatTrackerOutdoors]

Thanks for covering this. A lot of people don't realize how quick something like this can happen. Heavy fog not only puts you at risk from other boats but also obstacles in the water, both stationary and free floating. Be able to stop in the same distance you can see even if you have to idle.

[@ctsnider88]

I was in a tournament that was delayed 1 hour due to fog. It was still dense fog when we started. My boater was relying on the GPS to avoid the small islands. We got too close to an island not seeing it and hit a rock. We did learn that the GPS is not as accurate in fog.

[@bobbynewton9247]

Sad to hear this so sad!! Thanks for sharing Dieter had not heard about this. We all need to be safe on water, life is so short

[@DieterMelhorn]

I had heard about a collision, but did not know the young man was as critical was he was.

[@ScottHynson-if9vn]

I fish many tournaments and several times have had the launch delayed by the tournament director due to fog

[@buckeyecatfishing622]

I was fishing a tournament last fall on the Ohio River and the fog was so bad you couldn't see 20 feet. We spot locked close to the ramp, when we heard what sounded like a 2 stroke bass boat running 30-40 mph out in the middle channel. There was no way he had radar or anything else to see if boats or barges were coming. No day of fishing is worth dying for.

[@sterlinghancock1157]

Prayers to this young man’s family,CO-Angler and to all involved in this terrible accident! Please slow down when there is fog.

[@timschreiber1584]

Prayers for all involved! Bless them all. Fog is very dangerous on the water. Stay close at the ramp and don’t run the big motor till it lifts.

[@kenjohnston2426]

I quit fishing tournaments when BASS dropped the 150hp max limit and basically permitted any hp on boats. It is not necessary to go 70mph to catch fish! This is a shame and should remind people the danger of operating high performance boats.

[@tomfilipiak3511]

Sir,kudos to you!All that speed,on the water,is suicidal!

[@russellstewart5414]

@@tomfilipiak3511and now we have kayak tournaments, so it just proves that you don’t have to go 70 mph just to catch a fish

[@shoalscatfishjonathan]

That not fun, sorry to hear and prayers to the family. This is a story no one wants to hear but a must to be told so we all can learn from it. Thanks Dieter. 🙏

[@bankfishingislife5484]

the other day i was pulling up nets with my friend in the fog and we heard a boat coming at us kinda fast. but then he slowed down i think it must have been clear when he was hauling and then got foggy so he slowed down luckily though he was still about 50 yards from us but i told my friend lets just make sure we dont have to jump before we start messing with the rest of net. the bad thing we had the net halfway in so its not like we could really move ourselves. prayers for the family. dang it sucks especially because its someone young.

[@FishingandoutdoorswithJMitch]

Thank you so much for covering this story!! My condolences to the family, friends and schools. You absolutely hit it in the nose, slow down please, like you said this can be avoided. GOD rest his soul such a young man!! I also hope the person from the other boat and the two gentleman will be ok mentally.🙏🏾

[@DieterMelhorn]

These are tough podcasts to do. Maintain respect, but remind people of what they need to do to live.

[@SizeMattersCatfishing]

He's from my home town. Very sad story. Prayers for his family.

[@Njfishingmaniac]

Thought of you as soon as I heard Shelbyville bro 👊🏼

[@trinityoutdoors]

This is sad. And should be a wake up call to all of us that no fish is worth a life. Prayers for the family

[@ohiosteel1850]

I fished a new lake a few years ago and I couldn't see past the nose of the boat with the Fog. It was an Erie feeling. And I basically idled my way along the bank until I felt comfortable enough to start fishing. That had to have been one heck of a collision.

[@DieterMelhorn]

It's very surreal, and becomes scary when you hear a boat coming....

[@hillbilly2141tn]

Thanks for covering this story, but for the record, the boater killed fished for Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY. I used to coach his co-angler in baseball and he is real good friends with my son. The coach that was interviewed was not the coach of the WKU bass team.

[@DieterMelhorn]

Thanks for clearing that up. I can't imagine what those kids are going through.

[@butterfliesandsunshine8759]

Hey HillyBilly, prayers for your son and your family, and for the family of the angler who was fatally injured. Very sad circumstances. 🙏🙏🦋🌞

[@thegiant573]

Fog is scary to me not only can you not see other boaters but other hazards as well like logs or buoys. Hopefully this puts more pressure on tournament organizers to keep the field safe.

[@smerchly]

How about slowing down ? Do they need 300 H.P. motors that can go 100 m.p.h.++ ? For the sake of others put speed limits on the lakes....like 50 m.p.h.! How many more lives will be lost over a fish? And prayers for hid family and friends.

[@manko717]

A college tournament and this is how they run things. Thick fog and they send them out. Ridiculous

[@STEEZY3AM]

Me and my Dad catfish and one year a bass tourney started at 6 am and it was extremely foggy . They launched down river from us and about 30 boats came flying up river thru the fog with no lights on 2 boats came extremely close to us and had to swerve to miss us. We were idling with ALL lights on. I stopped in and talked to the tourney director about safety in the fog and of course it was excuse after excuse instead of humbleness and admitting that some of there guys fucked up.they could've killed us.These bass guys are a different breed lemme tell ya. When bass guys are on the water they might as well own it in there eyes. Last bass tourney I was catching skipjack and some guys drove directly across the spot I was casting at. Same guys drove up river and fished directly on top of some people fishing on the bank. The amount of disrespect from these guys is crazy. We have to have respect for others on the water. Some of these guys don't care about respect they'll fish directly on top of you is they see you catching fish. Prayers go out to the families. It's absolutely disheartening to hear people are getting killed doing what they love due to negligence

[@Texasfishingfamily]

There are far too many people with boats that can go 70mph that think you always need to go that fast. Unfortunately more people will die for this reason.

[@RaisedOutdoors]

Speed on the water has gotten out of control. These boats are going too fast and you’re absolutely correct, too much confidence is put in navigating with electronics instead of by what you can see. I think tournaments should hold events back in these situations until the fog lifts

[@789Derek]

They definitely should hold a fog delay or even cancel if the fog wont lift. However, there are many times when its clear at tournament blastoff, and the fog starts as you run out of the creek and proceed up or down the lake. This is when the driver should idle to the nearest bank and remain there until the fog lifts. Too many would rather risk it and use their mapping and that is extremely dangerous.

[@levibaer18]

I have worked offshore (inland coast of Louisiana) for years. We’ve had the fortune to run radar. It was eye opening. The amount of idiots on the water that risk them and their families lives in the fog for crab money, a few ducks, and a limit of fish. I own a Jon Boat now and enjoy going fishing from time to time. Something I’ve never considered is how much I can’t stand bass boats. The more I take my boat out, the more I dislike bass boats. Some of the most egotistical, disrespectful individuals driving those boats that I’ve ever come into contact with.

[@timg185]

I think the guys comment was about what the tournament organization could have done. They have fog delays . But they don’t always know how bad the fog is or what it like 10 miles down the lake. It’s the anglers responsibility to be careful and responsible.

[@sandraspears6389]

I agree and Lake Murry is a large lake. It can have thunder storms on one end a clear and perfect on the other end.

[@garycotz563]

Fog alerts are on the weather apps. Lake Murray is on the list so there should have been a delay.

[@timg185]

@@garycotz563 I don’t know if there was a delay or not . There usually is if there’s fog. But safety is still part of the anglers responsibility just as if they were not in a tournament.

[@manko717]

They were running fast in fog. This is what they are teaching these young men. The schools are responsible. These are not independent anglers in some bass tournament. Extremely careless of the tournament officials and colleges.

[@fishnfool4eva]

I cannot tell you how many times I've sat at the boat ramp during a catfishing tournament just waiting for the fog to lift. I will also pull up to the boat ramp and tie off if i know an approaching storm is coming. Safety is the most important thing on the water.

[@DieterMelhorn]

I agree 100%

[@PoppyTales]

The 2 boats involved were from Western Kentucky University and Murray State University. Both schools are located in Kentucky. Research is important.

[@DieterMelhorn]

Thanks for clearing up where the other boat was from. Do you know what led to the collision?

[@PoppyTales]

@@DieterMelhorn Fog. Both boat drivers tried to correct but both corrected the same way.

[@Grainraiser]

My home lake is Lake Fork. I stay off that lake if a big bass tournament is going on. Those guys have 250hp + outboards and they use every HP to get were they going. Saw a guy hit a stump and the outboard went into the cockpit and injured the driver. Not worth the risk for me. Prayers to young man's family.

[@huntingfishingtalkaboutit9950]

The only thing you didn't mention is that JB inflatable life jacket did not work. Luckily a student Angler from the other boat landed near him and could help him.

[@STEEZY3AM]

Jb ? Is that the brand

[@DieterMelhorn]

I have not heard about that......I'd love to know more details of the crash....email me.

[@huntingfishingtalkaboutit9950]

@STEEZY3AM jb was the young man that passed not sure of the brand. I am building a fund raiser tournament on his local lake i can get that info soon. In junior and high school i do not allow them to use inflatable

[@robertfandel9442]

Probably not designed for impact from a bass boat. Lot of people will leave a conventional vest in the locker

[@glenncivale6824]

A big unforseen problem these days due to live sonar is, offshore waypoint fishing on foggy mornings. I can;t count how many times in the past few years that I came up on an offshore boat fishing in dense fogg. The sensable thing to do is fish near a shoreline until the fog clears. imo

[@DieterMelhorn]

That is an interesting point to consider....

[@jamesw5836]

I managed a High School team for 5 years and what some of the Dad's would do on the water while running the boat was very dangerous. They were teaching their kids exactly what they had been taught. Throw in bad weather, especially fog, and they act fools. Folks need to teach their kids that boating is inherently dangerous and behave accordingly. Very few will learn from this because "no one is going to tell them what to do".

[@jeremyrippy8505]

My daughters high school softball coaches son was in that boat, his sisters boyfriend was a teammate and one of the first boats to find the wreck.

[@DieterMelhorn]

Do they have any idea what happened?

[@NorthernviewOutdoors]

Very sad to hear. Like you said this could have been avoided. The coach could have postponed the practice until the fog lifted. Every time I'm out at night or in situations where visibility is limited I'm running at idle. You can't see that stump sticking out of the water or maybe some body is out without any lights on. You just don't know so why take the risk. I live by Columbus Ohio and we had a similar situation last year (you covered this also) when we lost an angler on Hoover Reservoir, a body of water I fish. Again avoidable. We have to use common sense while out on the water. I know common sense is almost an "endangered species" these days but It's our responsibility to keep ourselves and those around us safe.

[@noswad75]

This is why these dumb tournaments need to stop. Crowding the lakes and making a mess!!

[@daveallover]

I tell my 16 year old son every time he drives. You always reserve the right to slow down. If conditions are bad or not ideal, you can ALWAYS just slow down, and that will solve over 90% of the problems. Just slow down, fellas.

[@DAwildCATS]

That coach had no affiliation with Jonathan Brian. JB went to Western Kentucky University.

[@UltraMagaFan]

Lake Murray is a giant 50,000 acre lake and 2 people still manage to collide with each other. It’s way too crowded. I’ll stick to Lake Moultrie.

[@noogman]

First, my prayers go out to the family of this young man. I don't fish, but I have boated on Lakes all over the eastern US, from the Florida Keys to Lake Michigan. I have seen several fishing tournaments and noticed how fast those Bass Boats can go. Are there any rules on how fast a boat can go while participating in these tournaments?

[@DailyDose2Inspire]

Well said. We all have to take accountability for our actions and more importantly in adverse weather conditions. 100% avoidable accident and very tragic. Slow down, use caution and in the event you run up on another boat TURN to the RIGHT. My heart goes out to the kids family and friends.

[@mitchellhelms7238]

To many people don't care if it's foggy or clear! They don't watch where they go and get to close at half or full throttle! It's happened to me on Norman and Mt Island,as well as Wylie. That's just horrible. Prayer for the family 🙏

[@dellarector-9144]

Prayers for the family of the young man . And the ones that got to go home . My husband and I fish that lake and he will not go when it's foggiest to dangerous please slow down .safe a life it may be your own. God bless ❤

[@bluewater9795]

Scary to be in the fog and hear a boat running full throttle coming towards you.

[@bullcitytshirts]

The fact that this practice wasn't cancelled amazes me. Someone had to know it was too dangerous and made a safety call but maybe the money was too big and clouded judgement

[@Jamesbass1968]

There is absolutely no reason, at all why these boats need to be going so fast. The fish are not going anywhere. I am 56 years old . I have fished all my life, for every species of fresh water fish you can think of. I have fished out of $80,000 bass boats, and I have fished out of $500 jon boats. I have caught Tons of fish. The fish are all over . Just take your time and be safe.. Don't put yourself or anyone else's life in jeopardy to hook a fish. Tight lines everyone. Be safe!!!

[@alanhubbard4149]

Tournaments endanger everyone on the lake. It’s like holding a nascar race on the interstate then wondering why people get killed. I hate this for all involved.

[@lennyburrell7471]

Same as on land,slow down, I was almost killed one morning in the fog when some impatient sob in a toyota truck decided to pass the car that was traveling safely in the other lane. I was on my motorcycle only doing about 30, barely got out of the way...and he didn't even care that he almost killed someone. Guess his time was more precious than my life.

[@AEStudt]

Prayers for them family an everyone involved

[@DieterMelhorn]

Amen….

[@patmason7276]

It's fishing not deadliest catch. Have to restrict due to weather.

[@niceguydmm]

That's terrible!! Prayers to their families!! I've seen people on Norman running wide open in dense fog.....You hear them running but can't see them! My gps is the only thing that got me around. Was out there one night cat fishing at 3am. I could not see 2ft in front of me without the GPS but I was moving very very slow....

[@DieterMelhorn]

Fog at night is very scary…..

[@andrewwillis4911]

Competition fishing gets a bit crazy with enthusiasm and drive. What a regular day out lining is many times thrown to the waistside, and in turn so makes nonsensical judgements. Heartfelt Prayers to Family, Friends and GOD'S SPEED for a Soul gone too soon.

[@dwightpierce1891]

trolling motor speed at most When outboard is running you cant hear another boat

[@kenestra123]

Speed is always a huge factor. Please slow down,you'll get there. RIP.

[@Aqua_Holic_Fishing]

Condolences to the families involved. I refuse to boat fish lakes, too many irresponsible boaters overall. I realize this might not have been the scenario here. It's disturbing and unfortunately, most won't miss a beat.

[@mickey52149]

Very so sorry to hear this, supposed to be a happy time Prayers for everyone

[@fragelicious]

People aren't born to drive bass boats at 65MPH. Adding young, less experienced, eager, boaters, mixed with heavy fog is the recipe for disaster. Even big tournaments with very experienced pros will delay the start for fog, why didn't they do that here?

[@bigdave6194]

Our grandson whom we have had custody of since age 2 is wanting desperately to be on the high school fishing team. I refuse simply because the coach whom is just another parent likes to brag about running 60 to 80 in his boat at tournaments. These guys should be ticketed for unsafe speeds if over a certain speed based on the type and size of the body of water. There is ZERO need to be doing high speeds that being over 40 on any body of water

[@DieterMelhorn]

High boat speed is not a necessity for catching fish, learning fishing skills, or operating a boat safely.

[@Homerj1117]

Let your kid on the team gramps

[@peterfitzpatrick7032]

@@Homerj1117 you do you, he is being responsible, you should try it sometime... parents (& guardians) are meant to be role models .... not friends...

[@Homerj1117]

@peterfitzpatrick7032 not letting your kid/grandkid join the HS bass fishing team is the opposite of responsible

[@johnnythompson1055]

Praying for the families involved

[@MrHabitat009]

Lord that’s hard to hear. Prayers for the family of the young man that was lost. Everyone be careful out there.

[@lelandwarmoth3049]

Such a tragedy. High school and college allow way too many boats in their tournaments! Such a joke to allow that many boats running way to fast. Practice Shouldn't have been allowed! Bass and Mlf should be ashamed and be held liable

[@captainchaos52]

GPS mapping is NOT radar!! Some fisherman haven't figured that out yet..Good video..

[@rick0596]

So sad, I hate hearing things like this. I've been on the Mississippi river. When they have bass tournaments, its best if we leave the boats near the ramps and waiting for the tournament to end. They need to get these guys slowed down. They get moving so fast that they just run right over you. Not caring about us cat fisherman. They just plow right through us. Very dangerous. I have had my grandsons out there fishing when they blow right past you

[@DieterMelhorn]

It’s a terribly tragic situation…..

[@tomfilipiak3511]

One,of the main reasons,My sons and I go up to northern Ontario,on fly ins,for 50, years,no traffic,and the fishing and hunting is great!

[@herbertricketts3428]

Sad story but what you not hearing is Bass should never allow over 500 boats in any kind of tournament

[@billydelong7372]

I had a guy miss me by about 1 foot. He was wide open staring at his phone.

[@MrRobert4wd]

It's no wonder Dieter, how many people on our highways makes you wonder how they could get a drivers license.

[@jeffbaker5038]

Fog can be treacherous, as is shown here. So sorry a young man lost his life, and my condolences to family and friends. Myself and 3 other people had to pull up in a jetty cove one night on the Arkansas river and stay there all night because the fog was so bad. Fishing is awesome but it ain't worth serious injury or loss of life.

[@silverwildeproductions1085]

Irmo is the closest ville I'm familiar with. Very sad. I used to live in Irmo and go the Lake Murray during the summers of the 1980's.

[@rudyruiz9521]

I fish some salt water tournaments, only a few a year. We have good and bad weather starts but my team usually leaves late to avoid such a scenario. We also drive slow, it isn't worth dying for. We fish for fun first, to place second.

[@johnmeyer6537]

prayers to all. it should be a law to be no wake in the fog. i was hit 5 foot from the bank anchored. we bailed at the last second with only minor injuries. excuse was graph showed he was further out. $25 fine is all he got.

[@DieterMelhorn]

Wow…..

[@GreatestGenerationCausedThis]

Did you sue him for your injuries and damage to your boat. Hopefully you did at least file a claim with his insurance company and if he did not have insurance, at least recover from his personal assets, for your damages and a little more.

[@guermeisterdoodlebug7980]

I would bet that someone at some point said the accident was caused by the heavy fog. That is not true, just as multi car pileups on interstate highways are not caused by the snowstorms as usually reported. This boating accident and those car wrecks are caused by people operating carelessly, usually too fast for conditions.

[@ronaldames9953]

practice day should have been cancelled if that much fog was there!

[@twopassionsfishing386]

I shake my head every time I see these type of boats going down the river or lakes going high rate of speed , have some common sense

[@clarenceljones8673]

Prayer for the young man family. very sad it happen that way.when conditions are like that ease over to the nearest bank and wait until conditions get better.

[@Tomc8030]

Fog is a funny animal! You can hear boats moving around but can’t tell where the sound is coming from. Back in the day we had shot gun take offs no matter the weather we was fishing! I’ve seen 300 boats take off in all kinds of conditions, and I’ve done it my self, but the one condition I wouldn’t even entertain taking off in was fog! Should be a law on every lake in the country if it’s foggy you can only travel at 10 MPH… I live of lake Fork here in Texas and hear boats running all hours of the night.

[@Forgive7x70times]

Sad! Used to when fishing and running at least in my state you had to blast your air horn so often. In foggy conditions!

[@ReggieKnott-yf2tm]

Prayers for the family

[@chuckpetrozella6716]

The term is bare steerage, Coast Guard regulation, inland waterway, idle speed

[@kevinberta8741]

Very sad for this to happen but speed obviously played a factor in this accident. Foggy weather is always a problem when it comes to boats. I disagree when you said both boats are the likely at fault. One boat can be sitting still and the other drives into you. Everyone should either go very slow or stay off the water completely. Again, a tragic incident that everyone would love to have avoided. Coaches should have kept everyone off the water as practicing is not worth the risk. Tournaments should be cancelled and delayed in fog due to safety.

[@raygissendanner1476]

It's a sad thing that someone dies so young

[@pppaulie73]

People think it won’t happen to them. The coach should’ve told the team to stay in. Not that they would’ve necessarily listened, but at least to emphasize the poor conditions.

[@willperryman4559]

I’ve fished tournaments with fog delays, and being allowed to take off as the fog lifted, and 2 miles around a turn off the main lake you couldn’t see the water because the fog was so thick, and even with all your lights on, it’s scary hearing another boater coming through at a wreckless speed,knowing that you could be a sitting duck…. My nephew coaches a college team Cambellsville University in Kentucky and it took me hours to reach him to be sure he and his teams were safe, yet I can’t imagine how this young man’s parents are handling this, and I believe the coach should’ve thought more before he made his statement 😮😢😢😢

[@DieterMelhorn]

In all fairness to the coach, he has probably not been “coached” by PR a people, or even been close to being in this situation. Not to mention, he probably had no clue how grave this situation was……

[@willperryman4559]

@@DieterMelhorn I understand and agree, and I’m sure the coach is devastated by this tragedy.

[@JimNobles-gv4ky]

Unthinkable and uncalled for…

[@jamesmccaskill7329]

The coach is right in saying accidents happen. It's true everyday on the highways. Boating accidents while less they happen, mostly from making poor decisions. Lost of life is horrible but really how many people stop and consider the risk they are taking. Let's take fog for example. It takes a tournament director to say it's unsafe? Every angler should be saying no it's unsafe but yet given the opportunity to blast off 90 perfect would risk it. It's a fact that as long as people make poor decisions accidents will happen. My condolences for the family and friends of theses anglers. I would like to think this would be a hard lesson for everyone to be more safe unfortunately statistically speaking these types of accidents are short lived and soon forgotten otherwise we would see a reduction in needles lost of life on highways, lakes and jobs. Sad.

[@paulnicholson5937]

If it was that foggy the tournament directors and coaches should call an event, especially practice and in the end, if it's not safe, if a person isn't sure or feels unsafe, they shouldn't be on the water at all. Peace and Good Luck

[@tonyt3200]

My deepest condolences to the families involved 🙏😢

[@smithkart]

If fog was on the water- tournament should have never started. Thoughts & prayers for all involved. Hopefully everyone can learn from this tragedy.

[@SOGOnic]

This is a tragedy. To say it was foggy would be like saying salt is salty. You couldn't see the towers from the dam. Adults need to control kids at that point. BASS and his coach are partially responsible for not delaying the practice day. Limit the hp for these kids. Probably was a 50mph to 50mph collision.

[@DieterMelhorn]

Do you happen to know what part of the lake they were on when it happened?

[@SOGOnic]

@DieterMelhorn Upper end of the lake is all I know, close to Dreher Island Park. But I live up that way and fog was terrible that morning at at 11ish the fog was too bad on the dam for me to think of fishing

[@joshhenson9055]

This did happen near the Dreher Island part of Lake Murray in Newberry County.@@DieterMelhorn

[@willsummers1245]

If there fog on the water than Cancel the Practice that's just Common sense.

[@jeremycarpenter5550]

Safety first the guy that said accidents happen is a fool you must use your brain . Take your time the event coordinator should have called off the tournament until the fog lifted. I know what i said was hind sight but accidents are caused by being negligent on our part we need to be responsible men for our actions .

[@mattjohnson1333]

Dude, this is a real thing lake of the Ozarks I fish tournaments there Lake Murray is like a bouncy castle compared to that place

[@Mogleyo069]

I run out of SCE&G 4. Fog can be rough. Only reason i do is because i have radar. Folks are just way to casual on the water theses days.

[@michaelshilling4754]

As a tournament director and fisherman of over 50 years....FOG MEANS WAIT TILL SAFE. NO TOURNAMENT IS WORTH A LIFE

[@garyheath9531]

Every boat these days have gps maps. Alot of people try and run 70 mph jus by the map which is crazy but being a tournament angler I see it all the time

[@ryanclark1108]

Hopefully that coach is told to move on, who the F says that. Like had they hit a submerged object or something like that, ok yeah that can happen and almost unavoidable but two boats colliding in conditions where they shouldn’t have been out there in the first place, is beyond me. I saw the conditions that day, you couldn’t see more than 20-30ft from your bow and the fog didn’t lift till 3pm that day. If I was the director of the event I would have sent out a message and told everyone not to be on lake and if found on lake you are disqualified. I love fishing just as much as the next guy I’ve fished foggy morning, I drive very slow near the bank or just troll around the bank, bc it’s not worth dying or killing someone over, which is exactly what happened here

[@want2boutdoors274]

🙏🏼 prayers for his family and friends. Accidents happen? Anglers have a responsibility to be safe for themselves and their surroundings above everything else. No fish is that damn important to haul butt to a spot.