An 11-year-old girl tragically lost her life in a Florida lake after being thrown from a boat and struck by its propeller, authorities reported.
Brooke Mejeur was aboard a 20-foot pontoon boat with two adults and two other children on Lake Osborne in Palm Beach County on Saturday. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the bow of the boat suddenly dropped, causing Brooke to be thrown overboard. She was then hit by the boat’s propeller in front of the other passengers, according to FWC officials.
11-Year-Old Girl Dies After Tragic Boat Accident on Lake Osborne
The young girl was quickly pulled from the water and brought to shore but sadly succumbed to her injuries, officials confirmed. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) expressed condolences, stating, “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Brooke Mejeur during this incredibly difficult time,” as they continue to investigate the incident.
Lake Osborne, known for attracting boaters, anglers, and nature enthusiasts, saw search crews actively combing the waters following the accident. Locals Luke Price and Russ Grunaald shared that they witnessed the search efforts on Saturday as emergency teams worked to locate and assist those involved.
Price shared with WPTV that he and others have seen several boating accidents on Lake Osborne over the years, but none as heartbreaking as this recent tragedy.
“We’ve been out on the water our whole lives, so it’s easy to become too comfortable, but that’s the last thing you want out here,” Price remarked. He urged others to stay vigilant, adding, “Anything can happen—always take precautions.”
