Lake Ozark, MO (June 25, 2026) – A 60-year-old driver died on Tuesday afternoon, June 23, after a crash at a boat ramp on River Road in Lake Ozark. The accident happened around 4:45 p.m. at 245 River Road.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a 2016 Ram and a trailer were at the boat ramp. A 66-year-old woman pulled a boat onto the trailer and then walked to the bow to secure it.
For reasons still under review, the vehicle and trailer began backing toward the river. The woman fell between the vehicle and the trailer and had minor injuries.
The Ram and trailer continued into the river and became submerged. The 60-year-old driver, identified as a Clark, Missouri, man, was unable to exit the vehicle.
He was pronounced dead at the site. The injured woman, also from Clark, was taken to Lake Regional Hospital.
Authorities are reviewing what led to the wreck at the boat ramp. We extend our sincere condolences to the driver’s family and hope the injured woman recovers fully.
What Makes Boat Ramp Accidents So Risky?
Boat ramps can be risky because vehicles, trailers, water, and people are all close together. A slight movement of a vehicle or trailer can pose a danger when someone is standing nearby.
Sloped ramps can also make it harder to control a vehicle. Wet pavement, trailer weight, and limited space may affect how quickly a driver can stop or correct movement.
When a vehicle enters the water, rescue work can become more difficult. Visibility may be poor, and crews may need special equipment to reach the vehicle safely. After these crashes, investigators often review vehicle position, ramp slope, trailer setup, and witness statements to understand what happened.
