Pell City, AL (June 27, 2026) – An 83-year-old man died after a two-vessel collision on Lake Logan Martin near the Interstate 20 bridge on Thursday morning, June 25. Deputies responded to the area at approximately 9:31 a.m. following reports of a head-on boating accident.
According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Gary M. Kendrick of Pell City was operating a 1993 Ranger bass boat when it collided head-on with a 2005 Hurricane pontoon boat. Kendrick suffered injuries in the crash and was taken to UAB St. Vincent’s St. Clair Hospital, where he later died. Officials said the operator of the pontoon boat was not injured.
Emergency personnel responded to the scene and assisted with the incident. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the collision, and more details will be released as they become available.
Our heartfelt sympathy is with the loved ones of Kendrick.
What Is Typically Reviewed After a Fatal Boating Collision?
Investigators examining a fatal boating collision review the direction and speed of each vessel, water conditions, visibility, and the actions of the operators before impact. Damage to the boats and evidence from the scene may also help establish how the collision occurred.
Head-on collisions on waterways can produce severe impacts because both vessels are moving toward one another. Investigators may also consider weather, navigation practices, and whether any environmental factors affected the operators’ ability to avoid the collision. These findings help provide a clearer understanding of the events that led to the accident.
