One Man Killed in Lake County Florida Boating Accident

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on April 10, 2012

A man from Martin County was struck and killed recently during a boating event in Lake County. Fifty-three-year-old Mark Van Winkle and a woman, Lorraine Moody, were ejected from their boat while participating in the Classic Race Boat Regatta on Lake Dora in Tavares, according to Joy Hill, spokeswoman for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. It has been reported that the event is not a competition but a showcase for vintage boats since none of the vessels can legally race. It was the sixth annual event, which attracts 8,000 to 10,000 people including spectators, vendors and participants who are all eager to kick off the boating season.Van Winkle’s boat had completed a demonstration lap alongside many other boats when something caused both Van Winkle and Moody to be thrown into the water. A rescue boat was able to pull Moody from the water, but Van Winkle was struck by another boat and killed before he could be saved. On the day of the accident, it was still unclear who was operating the boat that struck Van Winkle. A Tavares city spokeswoman, Joyce Ross, said that the event was suspended after the accident and that it would resume the following day.

Boating is an activity in which many people in Florida like to participate. Unfortunately, this means that numerous Florida boating accidents occur in our state each year due to things such as lack of safety precaution, drug and alcohol use, hazardous waters and excessive speed. If you’ve been involved in a Florida boating accident, you should contact a lawyer to find out whether you are entitled to compensation to help cover expenses such as medical bills and lost wages after the accident. Orlando personal injury attorney James O. Cunningham has decades of experience and a proven record of success. Call 888-425-2004 or 407-425-2000 today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

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.