MANATEE COUNTY, FLORIDA: A tragic accident between a jet ski and a boat in Florida's Manatee River has claimed the life of a teen and left another fighting for his life. On Saturday, July 15, a jet ski driven by an unnamed 45-year-old resident of Palmetto, Florida, collided with a boat carrying two adolescent boys. Hunter Ganey, 14, died in the accident, while his older brother James Ganey, 17, is in serious condition, according to FOX-13.
The boys "loved to fish" in the Manatee River, according to a family cousin, Kenny Shewbridge, who also claimed that the boat was moored when the tragedy occurred. Shewbridge said, "The jet skis came around the corner fast, didn't have time to react and hit the boat." According to the source, James is still being treated at Tampa General Hospital where he is being kept in a medically induced coma but "is expected to survive," as reported by People.
'The FWC extends its deepest condolences to the families'
Shewbridge told WFTS-TV of James' condition, "He still doesn't know what happened, that he's been in a wreck or that his brother is no longer with him, still kind of up in the air with what the prognosis is."
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) expressed their sympathies for the victim's family in a statement shared with FOX-13, despite the fact that the matter is still being investigated by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office and FWC. The statement reads, "The FWC extends its deepest condolences to the families affected by this tragic event. This loss of life is profoundly felt by our agency and the entire Manatee County community. Our thoughts are with the victims, their family, and all those affected during this extremely difficult time."
James' care and Hunter's funeral costs are being covered through a GoFundMe campaign set up to support the brothers' family. Shewbridge is feeling "bittersweet" because the campaign has surpassed its $25,000 objective. The GoFundMe reads, "I am writing this with a heavy heart. On Saturday , 07/15/23 the Ganey family had to endure what is the greatest fear to all families and parents. James (17 years old) and Hunter (14 years old) were involved in a tragic boating accident that left James in critical condition and Hunter without his life."
'James will have a long road of recovery ahead of him'
The GoFundMe adds, "The James is currently in ICU at Tampa General Hospital with an outcome that is still yet to be known. Hunter was quite the outdoorsman and such a caring young man who loved fishing. He leaves behind his immediate family, which includes his mother, Katie, father, Ray, brother, James, sister, Mackenzie, brother, Colton. During this time Ray and Katie are out of work for an unknown amount of time to care for James and the rest of the family. James will have a long road of recovery ahead of him," as per reports.
In the end, the note adds, "This memorial fund will not only help cover the costs of the funeral expenses but the bills that will accrue with recovery and time out of work. Any amount of donation is greatly appreciated. If you can not donate please share this."
