blog home Boating Accident Florida Teenager Killed in Lake Whitney Jet Ski Accident

Florida Teenager Killed in Lake Whitney Jet Ski Accident

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on February 13, 2018

A tragic jet ski accident claimed the life of a local teenager this past Sunday afternoon when his personal watercraft crashed into the boat docks on Lake Whitney, a private community nestled in the heart of Windermere, Florida.

According to the accident reports by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, fifteen-year-old Lott and his sixteen-year-old friend, (whose mother owns the jet skis), were simply enjoying the weekend weather when, for reasons currently unknown, Lott’s watercraft veered off its course and began to head toward the boat docks. After the collision, the older teen jumped into the lake and dragged his injured friend ashore. Lott was medevaced to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, but the injuries he sustained in the accident were too severe, and he passed away just a few hours later.

There are conflicting accounts of what actually occurred leading up to the fatal accident, according to police reports. When questioned about the incident, the teenager (who has yet to be named) initially stated that the two boys were riding on the watercraft together and that he jumped off just before the collision, but when asked again about the crash later, the friend’s recollection of the accident changed, and he said that they were driving separate jet skis. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Here in our great state, jet skis & personal watercraft accidents are a far too common sight for both residents and tourists alike. Known for its fantastic weather almost year-round, many vacationers flock to Florida in the colder months to escape those winter blues back home. This only increases the potential for injuries and accidents, so it is very important to do everything you can to keep yourself and your loved ones safe when enjoying our wonderful waterways. Just a few helpful tips include:

Ensure that you and your family members are wearing life jackets and all necessary safety gear.
Refrain from becoming under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
Be sure to inspect boats and personal watercrafts thoroughly, making sure they pass safety checks & inspections.

If you have been injured in a jet ski or personal watercraft accident in Florida, please contact the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. today at 877-FL-INJURY to schedule a free initial consultation.

James O. Cunningham

James O. Cunningham Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.