DPS Trooper Reported Missing Following A Boating Accident In Austin, Texas
Department of Public Safety Authorities are investigating an off-duty trooper reported missing in Burnet County Monday following a boating accident.
The trooper, Wesley Chenault, was a resident of Lakeside Beach, a waterfront community 30 miles northwest of Austin. His wife reported him missing Monday afternoon when she discovered that his boat had drifted ashore on a far northwestern part of Lake Travis. Chenault was heading out around 5 p.m. Monday to check and bait his trot lines. Chenault’s wife found the empty boat at 6:30 p.m. and immediately called 9-1-1.
DPS aircrafts and rescue boats, a DPS dive team, Lower Colorado River Authority Rangers, and a Texas Game Warden water rescue team have joined the search for Chenault. He was off-duty at the time of his accident.
Our hearts go out to Chenault and his family in this time of distress. It is hard to imagine the emotions felt when a loved one goes missing, and we hope that authorities have him home safe sooner rather than later. It is important to remember that boats are just as dangerous as automobiles, but Chenault was well-trained as a DPS, so it’s easy to assume that he knew the ins and outs of boating safety.
Each year at least 5000 people are injured in the United States due to boating accidents. There are many distractions available to a person operating a boat, so it is important to be attentive and focused while operating a watercraft. It is also good to review the Texas Boating Laws.
Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Personal injury Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have questions about a boating accident, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.
Comments
Let's hope that this wasn't another case of drinking and boating gone bad.
Posted by: Jake Gulet | June 16, 2010 4:20 AM