One adult was flown to VCU Medical Center in Richmond on Friday following a boating incident in Chickahominy River in James City County, authorities said.
Paige Pearson, spokeswoman for Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, said two adults were on a boat in the Chickahominy River on Friday afternoon.
Pearson said the boat operator was thrown from the boat. The passenger fell into the floor of the boat, but there is no indication that they were struck by the seat. The passenger seat was dislocated from the boat floor. The operator seat was partially dislocated from the boat floor.
A “good Samaritan” got the operator back into the boat – the operator drove the boat back to Brickyard Landing.
Pearson said the 911 call was placed at 2:18 p.m. by the good Samaritan. The Department of Wildlife Resources dispatch was given the information at 3:04 p.m. and Conservation Police Officers were dispatched at that time.
The James City County Fire crews responded to the location at 2:18 p.m. — a water rescue call at Brickyard Landing — said Fire Chief Ryan Ashe.
The operator, who suffered injuries from a propeller strike to the left foot, was taken by ambulance to the hospital.
The passenger was flown by helicopter to Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center in Richmond in critical condition.
UPDATE: Authorities said that person later died at the hospital.
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources is handling the investigation.
Further details about the incident was not immediately released.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was updated at 2:09 p.m. Oct. 29, 2020 with additional information and clarification provided by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
