NewsOK reported that a ski boat driver wanted in connection with a July 4 fatal boating accident turned himself in to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. After the body of Gary McInnich, 55, was recovered from Lake Eufaula, Ryan Shumway, 30, of McAlester, turned himself in at the McIntosh County District Attorney’s office.

Around 10:10 p.m. on July 4, Shumway was traveling about 30 mph on his white and dark colored ski boat when he crashed into McInnich’s pontoon boat. McInnich’s pontoon was anchored about 400 yards north of Sherwood Point when Shumway’s ski boat struck it, went airborne and landed on another boat that was tied off to McInnich’s as several people watched a fireworks show near Eufaula Cove, according to News On 6 in Tulsa. Both McInnich’s boat and the other anchored boat were displaying proper lighting.

When McInnich saw Shumway’s boat headed for his boat, he “placed his body between Ryan Shumway’s careening boat and his granddaughters,” according to a lawsuit filed on behalf of Tonia Foster, the mother of the two girls. “Ryan Shumway and Janai Shumway, after striking the Foster children and knocking Gary McInnich into the waters of Lake Eufaula, then fled the scene without rendering any aid to the small children…or the drowning man they had knocked overboard.”

The lawsuit claims that McInnich’s granddaughters, ages 8 and 10, suffered pecuniary damages, physical pain and suffering, disfigurement and extreme mental anguish as a result of the accident. Under the law, if they prove that the operator was negligence are entitled to those damages.

If you have suffered maritime injuries or someone you love has suffered wrongful death because of a recreational boating accident, the Jones Act attorneys at Latti & Anderson, LLP may be able to help you bring those responsible to justice and recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (800) 392-6072 for a free consultation with one of our Boston maritime attorneys.

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