Clear Lake, IA (July 6, 2026) – A 14-year-old girl from Dyersville lost her life after two personal watercraft struck each other on Clear Lake during the Fourth of July holiday. The fatal boating mishap happened at about 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, near the boat ramp at MacIntosh Woods State Park in the section of the lake known as Little Lake.
Five people were aboard the two watercraft at the time. One carried an adult and a minor, while the other carried three minors. People aboard a nearby pontoon boat helped pull everyone from the water before emergency units arrived. All five were taken to a hospital in Mason City for treatment.
The 14-year-old later died from her injuries. A 35-year-old woman, an 11-year-old girl, and a 12-year-old boy, all from Greenwood, South Carolina, were treated and released the same day. A 15-year-old girl from Mason City was later transferred to a hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, where she remained in serious condition.
Investigators said alcohol and impairment were ruled out as contributing factors, and the cause of the collision remains under review.
Our heartfelt condolences are with the family and friends mourning this tragic loss.
How Personal Watercraft Collisions Are Commonly Evaluated
Personal watercraft, such as Jet Skis, are popular on lakes and other recreational waterways, especially during holiday weekends when water traffic increases. When two watercraft come into contact, investigators typically review each craft’s travel path, operating speeds, visibility, and whether safe distances were maintained before contact.
Witness statements, photographs, and any available video recordings may also help establish how the collision unfolded. Weather conditions, water traffic, and the positioning of nearby boats are often examined as part of the review. In cases involving injuries, medical findings may also provide additional insight into the severity of the harm caused. These combined factors help create a clearer picture of what happened and may guide future boating safety efforts.
