Teen Drowns in Lake St. Clair

LisaLisa · 05-30-2006, 06:42 PM

Teen Drowns in Lake St. Clair
By Anu Prakash
Web produced by Sarah Morgan
May 30, 2006

A tragedy on Lake St. Clair claimed the life of a teenage girl, Memorial Day weekend. The victim is the daughter of prominent Macomb County Realtor Ralph Roberts. Investigators said 18-year-old Kolleen Roberts was riding a jet ski on Lake St. Clair with a friend, Monday, but they became separated and the friend went back to shore. A short time later Kolleen’s parents called for help because she was missing.Around 12:30, Robert’s body was discovered in the lake by a couple who noticed an unoccupied personal watercraft. When they got closer they saw Roberts unconscious in the water. The couple radioed for help, but efforts to save her were unsuccessful.Macomb County Sheriff Mark Hackle said Roberts was an avid boater and was wearing her life jacket.”She did everything you could imagine and all the stuff we like to talk about and teach, but unfortunately sometimes, if you hit a wake the wrong way and we’ve seen it before. I think what had happened was, it probably ejected her from the watercraft. The way it appears, she may have hit her head on the watercraft, become unconscious and then because nobody was able to render aid at that immediate time, she drowned in the waters,” he said. Roberts was a student at Albion College.

Man, the accidents are mounting - PLEASE be careful out there.

LP

Carlos Thomas · 05-30-2006, 07:04 PM

It is always very sad to see anyone dying on the water. It is a reminder, that SAFE BOATING skills are a must on our waterways.

RodneyAE · 05-30-2006, 09:04 PM

It is always sad to see anyone die, especially a teen. It just reminds everyone to be carefull and safe when on the water.

05-30-2006, 11:35 PM

life is fleeting at least she was having a good time

wetherby · 05-31-2006, 12:42 AM

What makes this a real tragedy, is the fact that this one was actually wearing a PFD.

jetdude · 05-31-2006, 01:17 AM

Wow, that sure got around fast. I was talking to a marine salvage guy this weekend at the gas dock (on lake st. clair), and he's the one that told me about it. Apparently the ski was adrift with no one on it, and she was a little further away (like the story says), he also said the handlebars were bent. That's all that I know of it, besides the girl was my age (18).

05-31-2006, 03:04 AM

"Live Fast, Die Fun"

FAMOUS STARS AND STRAPS

Rambo · 05-31-2006, 09:29 AM

How very sad

crab · 05-31-2006, 10:03 AM

Don't mean to preach, but i'm a firm believer in wearing a helmet always. Been hit by a skiboat before.

jetdude · 05-31-2006, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crab

Don't mean to preach, but i'm a firm believer in wearing a helmet always. Been hit by a skiboat before.

You are also off riding in the surf and on a standup. She was on a small couch. Hell, you could get hit in a boat too, you never know whats going to happen.