Several killed in boating accidents across region

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LINT CREEK, Ala.

11-year-old injured in boating accident

An 11-year-old boy was injured and sent to the hospital due to a boating accident Friday afternoon, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

The Trussville, Alabama boy was in a sailboat that collided with power lines crossing Flint Creek near Point Mallard, southwest of Huntsville, at approximately 3:30 p.m. The mast of the boat made contact with power lines and caught fire. There were four passengers on board.

CULLMAN COUNTY, Ala.

12-year-old killed while tubing

A 12-year-old boy from the Vinemont, Alabama area was killed while tubing on Smith Lake near Goat Island, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

Christian Hart had been tubing with two other children when he was hit by a boat near the Goat Island area of Smith Lake. The single-vessel crash happened at about 6 p.m. Saturday.

VALHERMOSO SPINGS, Ala.

Man drowns after fall into river

A man jet skiing drowned after falling into the Tennessee River near Talucah Landing, according to WHNT News 19.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency confirmed it was investigating a boating accident in the area. Boaters found him in the water and brought him to shore at Triana boat ramp on Record Street, according to the news station.

GAINESVILLE, Ga.

2 found drowned in Georgia lake over Memorial Day weekend

Authorities say two people have drowned in unrelated incidents on Lake Lanier over the busy Memorial Day weekend.

News outlets report 30-year-old Reginald Terrell Whitehead of Perry was found dead after a personal watercraft he was riding overturned near a boat ramp. Divers recovered his body late Saturday.

Sgt. Stephen Wilbanks of the Hall County Sheriff's Office said Whitehead was not wearing a flotation device and couldn't swim. Lake Lanier is located about 60 miles (96 kilometers) northeast of Atlanta.

Whitehead died hours after authorities Saturday morning pulled the body of 61-year-old Michael Thompson from the water near his boat dock on Lake Lanier. The Hall County Sheriff's Office said in a news release that a family member discovered Thompson's body.

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