Fox Lake, IL (June 16, 2026) – A 26-year-old man was seriously hurt Saturday afternoon, June 13, after two personal watercrafts came into contact on Pistakee Lake near the Village of Fox Lake.
According to preliminary findings, the watercrafts were traveling together south of Cedar Island when they crossed paths at about 1:25 p.m. A 23-year-old man operating one of the vessels and a 17-year-old boy operating the other reportedly failed to yield to each other while riding nearby.
Investigators said the operator of the first watercraft turned right in an apparent attempt to avoid a collision. During the maneuver, that vessel rode onto the left side of the second craft and struck a rear passenger. The 26-year-old passenger received a severe laceration to his left leg.
No one was thrown from either vessel, and both watercraft returned to a residence before emergency units were notified. The injured person was later taken to Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital, where he remained in stable condition while awaiting additional testing to determine whether any fractures were present. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the watercraft crash.
We hope the injured man experiences a full and speedy recovery.
What Factors Are Commonly Reviewed Following a Personal Watercraft Collision?
When two personal watercrafts come into contact on a lake or other recreational waterway, investigators mostly review several factors to determine what occurred. Common areas of review include vessel speed, operator actions, visibility, water traffic, and whether riders followed navigation rules designed to prevent vessels from crossing paths unsafely.
Boater education may also be examined, particularly when state laws require operators to complete safety training or carry certification. Investigators frequently look at passenger positions, weather conditions, and any physical evidence found on the vessels. Witness statements can provide additional insight into how riders were operating before contact occurred. Information gathered during this process helps create a clearer picture of the circumstances and may identify safety lessons that could help reduce similar watercraft collisions in the future.
