Warsaw Man Injured in Boating Accident in Benton County

A Warsaw man was injured in a boating accident that occurred Wednesday evening in Benton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that a 1976 Crestliner, driven by 45-year-old Matthew D. Gardner of Warsaw, was traveling east on the Lake of the Ozarks at the 89.4 mile marker, while a 2007 Lowe Jonboat, driven by 29-year-old Tyler R. Decker of Warsaw, had slowed down and was adrift in the water after 41-year-old John Decker of Warsaw fell off a knee board and was floating in the water.

Gardner told the Patrol he saw the Jonboat was adrift and veered left to avoid a collision between the two vessels, and didn't see John Decker floating in the water. The right back side of the Crestliner's stern struck Decker, according to the Patrol.

Decker suffered serious injuries, and was flown to University of Missouri Hospital by Life Flight Eagle for medical treatment.