7/29/22 - Christian Camp Mourns Loss Due To Water Accident

A water accident claims the life of an 11-year-old girl at Michindoh Conference Center in Hillsdale County.

(WWMT) - An 11-year-old girl died after being hit by a boat while out in the waters of Lake Michindoh Wednesday, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

The girl was struck by a boat out on the lake after the driver reportedly didn't see her in the water, according to officers.

 A 25-year-old boat operator from the Michindoh Conference Center Christian camp was pulling along 12 other children on an inflatable banana boat  when three of the children fell overboard into the water, officers said.

The driver turned around making an attempt to get all three children back on board when he hit the girl, the DNR said.

The boat operator immediately jumped into the water to help the child, according to a report from investigators.

Two 9-1-1 calls were made to dispatch before emergency first responders arrived and attempted life saving efforts on the girl. She was then transported to Hillsdale County Hospital where she later died from her injuries.

All children aboard the inflatable were wearing life jackets at the time of the incident, according to reports from the DNR.

The release stated that the boat operator was a 25-year-old lifeguard who has a Michigan boater safety certificate. All children were reportedly wearing life jackets and helmets, and being monitored by a 29-year-old woman on the boat.

Michindoh conference Center is a Christian camp connected with Spring Arbor university. 

Information about boating safety is available at Michigan.gov/boating