UPDATE: Names Released of Lanier Boating Collision Victims
As divers resumed their search Wednesday for the missing teen, a bizarre twist to the tragic story is being reported.
An 9-year-old child was killed and a 13-year-old is missing after a boating accident late Monday on Lake Lanier. The child and teen were passengers on this pontoon boat.
Georgia Department of Natural Resources
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Update (3:10 p.m. Wednesday)
Paul Bennett, the Cumming man responsible for the death of a 9-year-old boy in the fatal boat collision on Monday, purchased his boat from The Grass Shack, according to a media report.
Michael Prince Sr., principal owner of The Grass Shack near Lake Lanier, told 11alive.com that he sold Bennett the boat involved in Monday night's crash that took the life of his grandson. Prince said Bennett was a regular customer, according to the report.
Original Post (9 a.m. Tuesday)
Authorities have released the names of the victims from Monday's fatal boating accident on Lake Lanier, according to the Wildlife Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
The children’s father, Michael Prince, was driving the pontoon boat. The Prince family reportedly is from Gwinnett County.
Paul Bennett, 44, of Cumming, has been arrested and released on bond in connection with the crash. He faces boating under the influence charges, and other charges are possible. Bennett operated a hair salon in Johns Creek.
The Prince family owns and operates The Grass Shack, a boat retailer and storage facility in Buford, according to Internet research. "When you buy a boat from Grass Shack you will deal with the owner Mike Prince personally or one of his sons," the Web site reads.
Four families -- 13 people in all, with nine children -- were on the pontoon boat when the crash occurred around 10:30 p.m., officials said. Bennett fled after the crash and was arrested later, authorities said.
The investigation is ongoing and includes the DNR’s Critical Incident Reconstruction Team and divers from agencies including Forsyth, Hall and Gwinnett counties, as well as DNR’s side-scan sonar, a device used to find and identify objects underwater.
If you're interested in this story, here are a few others:
UPDATE: Cumming Man Charged in Fatal Boat Collision
Search for Missing Teen on Lake Lanier Continues
Boating Accident Almost Cost Youth His Leg
Mark j
4:35 pm on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Our prayers go out to all involved. Its a tragedy that could and should have been avoided. It is sad when another human being hurts and kills another hunan and does not have the common decency to help. For this I hope the alleged operator of the fishing boat is placed in prison for a very long time. After a couple of decades, he may realize what a human being should have done. What a coward for running from such a tragedy. I hope his withdrawl from alcohol is entense and horrible to deal with. Then maybe he may hurt 0.0000001 percent as this family does. Knowing the family somewhat, he will be forgiven quickly. But not deserving without restitution and begging for forgiveness.