Kentucky Commerce Cabinet News Release
Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources
fw.ky.gov
Swimmers Injured by Speeding Motorboat
Press Release
August 1, 2006 Contact: Mark Marraccini
(800) 852-0942 ext. 310


Frankfort, KY - Law enforcement officers are seeking assistance from anyone who may have information about a motorboat/swimmer collision that occurred minutes after midnight Sunday morning on the Ohio River near Lewisport that left two Indiana women hospitalized with serious injuries.

Witnesses told Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources conservation officers and the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department that a motorboat traveling at a high rate of speed struck a mother and daughter who were swimming near Anderson Island.

Lisa Sheppard, 45, and her daughter, Abby Weatherholt, 24, both of Grandview, Ind., were struck just minutes after entering the water. A witness pulled both women from the water and transported them by boat to an ambulance waiting at a Hawesville boat launch ramp.

The injured women were then transported to an Owensboro hospital and treated initially. Sheppard was later flown to the University of Louisville hospital. Both remain hospitalized today.

“The driver of the motorboat may not even be aware of the accident,” said Conservation Officer Jeff Whittinghill. “Witnesses said the boat never slowed or changed course after hitting the women and continued on toward Hawesville.”

Officers are asking anyone who may have information about this accident to please call the Hancock County Kentucky Sheriff’s Office at (270) 927-6247, or the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife hotline at 1-800-252-5378. Indiana residents may call toll free 1-800-847-4367.


Last Updated: 08/02/06