By: Dr. Jeff Fuller
It has been a terrible time for many around the state who have worked on the waterways to rescue or recover boaters during the past few weeks. This is the sad things bringing sorrow to countless numbers of individuals who were related or knew these individuals. On July 8, al.com reported astounding number of deaths in Alabama involving individuals who anticipated a time of recreation:
Year-to-date for 2019, there have been 64 boat crashes resulting in 22 deaths. That means 2019 has already passed the total number of deaths for all of 2018 and 2017. Compare the two previous years statistics:
- For all of 2018, ALEA Marine Patrol says there were 75 boat crashes resulting in 17 deaths. Six of those boat crashes happened during the July 4 holidays causing the deaths of two people.
- For all of 2017, ALEA Marine Patrol says there were 86 boat crashes resulting in 19 deaths. Five of those boat crashes happened during the July 4 holidays but none included a death.
Recent reports list the following incidents:
- On Lake Jordan in Elmore County, two people were killed and five others were injured after a crash late on the night of July 4. Crews have sincefound the bodies of both victims, 26-year-old Devin Jackson and 17-year-old Travis House.
- On Smith Lake, about 20 miles northwest of Birmingham, one person was killed and five others were injured after two boats collided. The searchfor the missing victim, identified as 26-year-old Birmingham school teacher Kelsey Starling, is still ongoing, as she is still missing. One person was arrested in that case for boating under the influence.
- In another incident on Smith Lake, a 12-year-old girl was killedand two other children were injured. All three are confirmed to be Mississippi residents, but few other details were available.
- Crews found the body of a missing fishermanat Cosby Lake in Clay on July 3. Russell “Rambo” Patterson, 36, had disappeared the day before.
- Crews also found the body of another kayakeron the Elk River in Limestone County. Michael Rynders, 39, of Athens, died after his kayak capsized on July 3. He wasn’t wearing a life jacket when he vanished. His body was found on July 5.
- There was one non-boating deathfor the holiday period after a swimming incident on Lay Lake. A helicopter spotted the body of James Patton Hill, 25, of Wilsonville, on Monday morning. He was swimming near Bozo’s Fish Camp, in an area known as Low Water or Blue Springs, when he was caught in a storm. Officials said high winds pushed his boat out and while trying to catch up with it, he went under.
As a first responder, it would be possible for me to caution anyone going out on the waterways to follow the rules and use common sense. I could write warnings and plead with those who are operating boats or various watercrafts. Yet, today focus with me on being ready. I plead for all to be ready. Are you ready?
I dare say none of these who have died, suffered injury, or were operating the boats would have been thinking this would be the last day of someone’s life here on earth. They were out enjoying the sun and the fun, spending time with family and friends. Related to those who lost their lives within the last two weeks were simply celebrating a special holiday.
None thought about it being the last time; last time with family and friends. This is the reason we plead to be ready. Be ready for eternity! Be ready for to face death!
There is one way to eternity, and it is through the Lord Jesus Christ. He said He was the only way. Through Him is life beyond this life. Life in heaven with Him for always.
We all will face that day and we must be ready to answer the call with an assurance that we have placed our life in the hands of the One who secures our promise of being with Him.
My heart still aches for the families and friends of these who have passed this year, and my prayers are for comfort and peace. More importantly, my heart weeps for those who have yet to prepare themselves for the moment when they will face death.
Be ready!