Indiana DNR: 12-year-old seriously injured in boating accident, airlifted to Indy

WHITE COUNTY, Ind. — A 12-year-old had to be flown by helicopter to Indianapolis after suffering serious injuries while tubing in White County.

According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, authorities were made aware of a possible boating accident on Lake Shafer near Indiana Beach on Wednesday around 2:57 p.m.

The White County Communications Center advised that a 911 caller informed them a juvenile had been injured while tubing with their family. Indiana DNR said preliminary information indicates the 12-year-old was tubing behind a boat with family members before the accident occurred.

Indiana DNR said the juvenile reportedly tried to board the boat while the propeller was still running, causing the juvenile to be struck in both legs.

The juvenile was taken to the shore and boarded a helicopter bound for Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis for treatment of “serious” injuries. The White County Sheriff’s Department, Monticello, Fire Department and Parkview Samaritan Helicopter also assisted.

The incident remains under investigation.