A man was killed in a crash between two powerboats during the St. Clair Riverfest races in St. Clair County, Michigan on Sunday afternoon.
Wallaceburg’s Gale Cook was watching and photographing the event from the shores of the St. Clair River in Courtright, when tragedy struck near the tail end of the races.
“All of a sudden I heard this great big bang and everybody screamed,” Cook told the Sydenham Current.
“I didn’t realize that somebody was hurt because they drove away. Not as fast, but they did drive away. When they got down the river, they kind of stopped and a helicopter came over, the Coast Guard came over and somebody jumped in the water.”
Cook said she didn’t know anyone had died from the incident until later on Sunday evening.
“I felt terrible that I witnessed somebody getting hurt that bad. It’s still bothering me. I feel bad that this had to happen,” she said.
Reports say Michigan powerboat racer Keith Holmes died at a nearby hospital, after emergency crews failed to resuscitate him at the scene.
Holmes, of Nunica, Michigan, was the throttleman for the American Ethanol Cat Can Do boat, reports say.
“We ask for your prayers as we wrap our minds around the events of today,” the Cat Can Do Racing Team posted on social media on Sunday.
“Remember all, as we look for peace and comfort. We feel the love of the boating community and your support is appreciated.”
Miss Geico, a 50-foot boat from Florida, was also involved in the crash, reports say.
“The Miss Geico Race Team was involved in a tragic racing incident in St Clair, MI, today,” the team posted on social media on Sunday.
“Driver Marc Granet and throttleman Scott Begovich, were not injured. The entire Miss Geico Race Team extends its thoughts and prayers to the American Ethanol Race Team, family members and friends.”
Authorities have yet to release official details about what led to the crash.
Messages to the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department have to be returned.
– Photo credit: Gale Cook
So sorry for the family! What was supposed to be a fun event, turned very sad. Our thoughts are with all those racing that day as well.