Nicolette McKenna Death Reason, Obituary: A Woman Who Died in a Boating Accident on the Lake of the Ozarks

Nicolette McKenna was a 44-year-old woman from Sunrise Beach, Missouri, who died in a boating crash on the Lake of the Ozarks on August 26, 2023. She was one of the 14 passengers on a Crownline boat that hit a large wake and crashed into a breakwater near the 24-mile mark of the main channel. The driver of the boat, Bobby Childers, 60, was arrested and charged with boating while intoxicated causing the death of another, and a careless and imprudent operation.

Who was Nicolette McKenna?

Nicolette McKenna was a loving mother, sister, daughter, and friend who touched many lives with her kindness and generosity. She worked as a nurse at the Lake Regional Health System and was passionate about helping others. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, especially her two children, who were her pride and joy. She also loved boating, fishing, camping, and traveling.

According to her sister, Amanda Rae Hartley, Nicolette had a beautiful and pure heart and always saw the best in people. She also said that Nicolette had faced many challenges in her life, including losing her other sister earlier this year. Hartley described Nicolette McKenna as a fighter who never gave up.

Nicolette’s obituary states that she was born on June 15, 1979, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Robert and Patricia McKenna. She graduated from Raytown High School in 1997 and received her nursing degree from State Fair Community College in 2002. She is survived by her parents, her children, her sister, her brother-in-law, her nieces and nephews, and many other relatives and friends.

What happened on the night of the crash?

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at around 7:40 p.m. on Saturday, August 26, 2023. The boat was operated by Bobby Childers, who was allegedly intoxicated at the time. He was driving too close to a dock when he struck a large wake that caused the boat to hit the breakwater. A breakwater is a fixed structure in the water that protects a harbor or beach from the force of waves.

The impact of the crash threw some of the passengers into the water or onto the breakwater. Nicolette McKenna was pronounced dead at the scene. Childers and two other passengers from Kansas City were taken to a hospital with minor or moderate injuries. The rest of the passengers were not injured or refused medical treatment.

The Osage Beach Fire Protection District responded to the scene and said it was “very chaotic”. They had to use boats and jet skis to rescue some of the victims from the water. They also had to deal with debris and fuel spillage from the damaged boat.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Childers and booked him into the Camden County Jail. He faces charges of boating while intoxicated causing the death of another and careless and imprudent operation. He could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

How did the community react to Nicolette’s death?

Nicolette McKenna’s death shocked and saddened many people who knew her or heard about her story. Her family and friends expressed their grief and condolences on social media and in person. They also shared memories and photos of Nicolette McKenna and thanked everyone for their support and prayers.

Nicolette’s co-workers at the Lake Regional Health System also paid tribute to her and said she was a valued member of their team. They said she was an excellent nurse who cared deeply for her patients and colleagues. They also said she had a positive attitude and a bright smile that lit up any room.

Nicolette’s funeral service was held on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Laurie, Missouri. She was buried at Resurrection Cemetery in Kansas City, Missouri.

Many people also expressed their anger and frustration at Childers for his alleged actions that led to Nicolette’s death. They called for justice and accountability for his behavior. They also urged other boaters to be responsible and safe on the water.

Facebook Page of Nicolette McKenna: Click Here

What are some facts about boating safety and accidents?

Boating is a popular recreational activity in Missouri, especially on the Lake of the Ozarks, which is one of the largest man-made lakes in the country. However, boating also comes with risks and responsibilities that require caution and awareness.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, there were 4,168 boating accidents in the United States in 2020, resulting in 613 deaths, 2,559 injuries, and $55 million in property damage. The top five primary contributing factors to these accidents were operator inattention, operator inexperience, improper lookout, excessive speed, and alcohol use.

Alcohol use was the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents, accounting for 18% of the deaths. The Coast Guard also reported that 79% of the boating fatalities were due to drowning, and 86% of those victims were not wearing a life jacket.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol also provides statistics on boating accidents in the state. In 2020, there were 172 boating accidents in Missouri, resulting in 13 deaths, 105 injuries and $1.3 million in property damage. The Lake of the Ozarks had the most accidents with 70, followed by the Mississippi River with 16 and Table Rock Lake with 15.

The Highway Patrol also reported that 10 of the 13 boating fatalities in Missouri in 2020 were due to drowning, and none of them were wearing a life jacket. They also said that alcohol or drug impairment was involved in six of the fatalities.

The Highway Patrol and the Coast Guard offer the following tips and advice for boating safety:

• Always wear a life jacket when on or near the water.
• Never operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Take a boating safety course and learn the rules and regulations of the waterways.
• Check the weather and water conditions before going out on the water.
• Maintain a safe speed and distance from other boats and objects.
• Have a proper lookout and pay attention to your surroundings.
• Carry the required equipment and communication devices on your boat.
• Report any accidents or incidents to the authorities as soon as possible.

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