Fatal boat propeller strike at Possum Kingdom Lake under investigation

PALO PINTO COUNTY (KFDX/KJTL) – A fatal boat incident on Possum Kingdom Lake led to the arrest of a boat operator on Friday, June 6.

According to the Mineral Wells Area News, it happened yesterday evening.

Texas Game Wardens, the Palo Pinto County Sheriff’s Office and Sacred Cross EMS all responded to a call about a propeller strike on PK Lake.

Based on a statement from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, a 23-year-old man from Abilene was being pulled on a tube by a boat carrying three people when the boat’s propeller struck him.

According to public information officer Maggie Berger with Texas Parks and Wildlife, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Allegedly, the operator of the boat, 21-year-old Justin Pillard from Abilene, was arrested by the Palo Pinto County Sheriff’s Office and is facing charges of intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle.

This case is still under investigation.