PORTLAND, Ore. — UPDATE: On Thursday, 6-year-old Zachary Maynard passed away from the injuries he sustained when the jet ski struck him on Monday. A family member has set up a fundraiser for Zachary's family. The other child struck in the accident, 6-year-old Kennedy Swenson, is continuing to undergo medical treatment on her path to recovery.
The Linn County Sheriff's office also reported this update on the investigation in a press release Friday morning:
"The 23-year-old male was operating a 2020 Sea-Doo on the west side of the Lewis Creek swimming area when he lost control of the watercraft. The investigation reveals the watercraft was stationary and the operator was adjusting equipment when he fell off. The watercraft sped off from the male, striking Zachary Maynard and Kennedy Swenson, 6, as it continued to the west side of the swimming area before crashing into the bank."
The investigation is ongoing, and the Linn County Sheriff's Office asks anyone with any related information, video or photos to call Detective Colin Pyle at (541-967-3950).
Original story below
Two children suffered life-threatening injuries after someone lost control of a jet ski and the watercraft raced onto shore and hit them Monday afternoon near Sweet Home.
The incident took place around 2 p.m. at Lewis Creek Park on Foster Lake, east of Sweet Home. The Linn County Sheriff’s Office said a 23-year-old man was operating a jet ski when he lost control of it. The watercraft sped off toward shore and hit multiple people, including the two children.
One child was flown to Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland. The other was initially flown to RiverBend Hospital in Springfield and was then transferred to Legacy Emanuel. Their conditions are not known, the sheriff’s office said.
Another person who was injured during the incident was taken to Lebanon Community Hospital. The severity of their injuries was unknown.
The operator of the jet ski is cooperating with deputies. An investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Detective Colin Pyle at 541-967-3950.
