Fatal boating accident still under investigation

The Aug. 8 fatal boating accident on Lake Wawasee that took the life of Nathaniel Mroz, 20, Fortville, is still an active case.

Lt. John Karris, Indiana Conservation Officer District 1, reported the department has completed its investigation into the fatal accident and turned all information over to the county prosecutor’s office. Dan Hampton, Kosciusko County prosecutor, stated his office is still investigating the accident and is anticipating having more information to share in several months.

First responders were called to the area of Johnson Bay on Lake Wawasee around 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, regarding a person being struck by a boat. Initial reports by the DNR reported Mroz was one of three people being pulled on a tube behind a boat when they were thrown off into the water. While the boat was maneuvering in an attempt to retrieve the people, Mroz was struck by the boat.

Occupants on the boat were able to remove the unconscious Mroz from the water. He was later pronounced dead at the scene by the Kosciusko County Coroner’s Office.

Mroz was wearing a life jacket at the time of the accident and all parties involved cooperated with investigators.