Teen Dies From Boating Accident

A 14 year-old died this morning from injuries suffered during a boating accident on Ririe Reservoir Tuesday evening.

According to Sgt. Jeff Edwards two 14-year-old girls were being pulled on a tube by a Glastron Boat operated by Blaine Peterson. There were four people on board when the boat went around a curve in an area of the reservoir known as the Narrows.

Another Glastron Boat operated by Richard Hansen with eight people on board was coming from the opposite direction came around the corner and immediately shut down the boat.

They were within 10 yards of the girls when the boat powered down and both girls hit the front of the boat.

Multiple people helped get the girls out of the water, who were both unconscious and breathing.

Another boat brought the girls to the Juniper Boat Dock.

Both girls suffered head injuries and were transported to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Portneuf Life Flight and an Idaho Falls Ambulance. Ririe Quick Response Unit, Bonneville Patrol deputies and Bonneville and Jefferson county dive teams were also on scene.

One was treated and released last night and the second girl passed away this morning.

According to an obituary on the Wood’s Funeral home website the 14-year-old is Whitnie Rae Harris of Idaho Falls.

“It was a tragic accident,” said Judd Aeschbacher, Marine Deputy. “Right now we’re just trying to piece everything together and make sure we get it all right. Hopefully we’ll have some answers for the family and that’s our goal.”

The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office is still investigating the accident but have not indicated the accident involved drug or alcohol use.

They said both boats were using proper safety equipment and the girls were wearing life jackets.