Danny Harrison Obituary, Death – A tragic boating accident in Louisiana claimed the life of a 71-year-old man on Sunday evening after he was struck by his own boat’s propeller. Authorities described the incident as a freak accident that occurred on the Calcasieu River.
According to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Danny Harrison was operating a 16-foot boat when it collided with an object in the water. The impact of the crash caused Harrison to be ejected from the vessel and thrown into the river.
After Harrison was tossed overboard, the boat continued moving in circles without anyone at the controls. The spinning propeller ultimately struck Harrison in the water, fatally injuring him. The department’s spokesperson, Adam Einck, confirmed that Harrison was wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident, but it was not enough to prevent the fatal outcome.
Investigators believe that Harrison was not using a safety device known as a kill switch lanyard, which is designed to shut off the engine if the operator is thrown from the boat. This safety feature can be critical in preventing unmanned boats from becoming dangerous, especially in the case of an accident.
By law, kill switch lanyards are required for certain boats in Louisiana, particularly those under 26 feet in length that are powered by hand tiller outboard motors exceeding 10 horsepower. Harrison’s boat met these conditions, as it was a 16-foot vessel equipped with a 40-horsepower hand tiller outboard motor.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division is continuing to investigate the incident to determine the full circumstances of the accident. At this point, no further details have been released regarding what the boat may have struck or whether weather or water conditions played a role.
The tragic death of Danny Harrison underscores the importance of boating safety and the use of proper safety equipment, including kill switch lanyards. While life jackets are essential, other protective measures like engine shutoff devices can be equally vital in emergency situations.
As the investigation continues, officials are reminding boaters of the importance of adhering to safety regulations and ensuring all equipment is used correctly. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly things can go wrong on the water, even for experienced boaters.
Community members and those familiar with Harrison are mourning the sudden loss, while authorities hope the findings from this investigation will raise awareness and potentially help prevent similar accidents in the future. Further updates are expected once the investigation is complete.