Boating Accident at Pleasant Hill Lake Leaves Man With Serious Injuries

Joe Lyons • July 10, 2024

Ashland County, OH, July 4, 2024 – A boating accident at Pleasant Hill Lake on the Fourth of July left a man in serious condition after being run over by the boat he was on with friends.

The incident, which occurred at approximately 3:20 PM, is under investigation by the Wildlife Officers from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Parks & Watercraft. Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) Rangers, also responded.

According to ODNR spokesperson Karina Cheung, ODNR officers responded to a report of a person being injured after being run over by a boat at Pleasant Hill Lake. The accident happened while a group of people was on a pontoon boat on the lake. “An argument took place on the boat, leading one man to jump into the water voluntarily,” Cheung explained. “While he was in the water, the operator of the boat, unaware of the man’s actions, put the boat into gear, driving over him.”

The man sustained multiple cuts to his right side from the boat’s propeller and was quickly taken to the Ohio-Health Trauma Center for treatment. Unknown on his current condition.

The boat’s operator underwent standardized field sobriety tests and was not arrested for boating under the influence. However, charges for failing to complete the Ohio Boating Education Class and failure to control the vessel have been presented to the prosecutor’s office.

Authorities continue to investigate the incident to determine the exact sequence of events.

For more information and updates on boating safety regulations, visit the ODNR website or follow them on social media.