Injuries from a boating accident at Lake of the Woods have claimed the life of a Bealeton man.
Jason Goodman, 33, was struck by a pontoon boat while in the water of the main lake at LOW during the Orange County subdivision's annual Independence Day celebration July 3. He suffered multiple injuries to his legs and feet and underwent surgery at Mary Washington Hospital.
According to Game and Inland Fisheries Officer Nathan Bowling, Goodman was released from the hospital July 6, but apparently developed complications from his injuries and died in Fauquier County July 18.
An official with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner said yesterday that the cause of Goodman's death was blood clots in his lungs caused by the blunt-force trauma to his legs.
According to reports taken by Game and Inland Fisheries officers, Goodman had been riding on a wave board pulled by a personal watercraft. He was in the water next to the craft, wearing a life vest, when he was struck by the pontoon boat's propeller, Bowling said.
The boat was carrying 11 passengers who had paid for a ride around the lake. The Lake of the Woods Fire and Rescue Company sponsors the boat rides, parade, games and other Independence Day activities as an annual fundraising event.
The boating accident and Goodman's death are being investigated by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and the Fauquier County Sheriff's Office.
Robin Knepper: 540/972-5701
Email: rknepper@earthlink.net