KFW Still Investigating July 4 Boat Collision Investigation
The Harrodsburg Herald/Robert Moore
A first responder speeds to help handle a boat collision on Herrington Lake on Saturday, July 4.
Robert Moore
Herald Staff
[email protected]
The investigation continues into the July 4 boat collision that left one man dead, another critically injured, and injured others.
Game wardens with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and the Mercer County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office said in a press release that they are still investigate the accident that occurred on Herrington Lake on Saturday, July 4.
The preliminary investigation found that two boats collided, a wake boat being operated by Cody Casey, 34, of Harrodsburg, and a pontoon boat being operated by Alex Svintozelskiy, 58, of Nicholasville, KFW said. A passenger on the pontoon, Nazar Svintozelskiy, 25, of Nicholasville, was ejected into the water. Nazar Svintozelskiy’s body was recovered on Monday, July 6.
Alex Svintozelskiy was flown to the UK Chandler Hospital for medical treatment after the collision, according to a Mercer County Fire Department Facebook post. Three other victims were transported to Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center.
The operator of one of the boats involved in the crash was located by the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office on the night of the incident and turned over to the KFW.
KFW said investigators are continuing to gather and evaluate evidence to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
As part of the investigative process, search warrants have been and are continuing to be sought and executed, KFW said. Investigators are still interviewing witnesses. Multiple items of evidence have been submitted for forensic and evidentiary testing, KFW said. Those results are pending and are an important part of ensuring the investigation is complete and accurate, according to the KFW.
One of the families involved in the July 4 boating collision on Herrington Lake has obtained legal representation.
WLEX 18 reported last week that the family had hired two law firms to investigate the accident.
Peterson Law Office and Whiteford, Taylor & Preston, both of Lexington, announced they are representing the family of Nazar and Alex Svintozelskiy.
Attorney Justin Peterson told WLEX a wake boat struck the family’s pontoon boat, which was sitting idle in the water.
“We are greatly concerned about the failure to render aid by people who cause an incident like this,” Peterson said.
“I’ll express the family’s sincerest appreciation to the two boats that came up to help the children and the other adults who did survive this crash.”
No charges have been filed in connection with the collision.
The tragedy brought together first responders from across the lake region, including Mercer, Garrard, Boyle and Jessamine Counties.
At last week’s meeting of the Mercer County Fiscal Court, Mercer County Fire Board Chief David Goodlett, also thanked the Rapid Response Services from Dublin, Ohio, who also assisted in locating Nazar Svintozelskiy’s body.
Goodlett said they were glad they could provide the family with some sense of closure.
“My heart breaks for that family,” Goodlett said.
Investigators are not releasing additional details regarding the evidence collected, the results of any testing or potential investigative findings at this time, according to the press release. Releasing that information prematurely could compromise the integrity of the investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings, KFW said. Once the investigation is complete, the findings will be reviewed in accordance with applicable law and prosecutorial procedures.
Additional information will be released as confirmed facts become available and when it is legally appropriate to do so.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement via Kentucky State Police Post 7 at 859-623-2404.
