15-year-old swimmer dies after boat strikes her in the Ozarks, Missouri officials say

A 15-year-old girl died and another teen was injured after a pontoon boat struck them at Table Rock Lake in the Ozarks, Missouri police say.

The incident happened around 4:15 p.m. on Sunday, July 10, at Breezy Point.

The teenagers were swimming when they were struck by the boat, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The boat then struck a rock bluff and suffered “moderate” damage, officials say.

A 15-year-old girl from O’Fallon died at the scene, according to patrol officers. She was later identified as Kendall Johnson.

A 16-year-old male swimmer from Ballwin was taken to a Branson hospital with minor injuries.

The 62-year-old boat operator was also from O’Fallon, officials say. McClatchy News has reached out to the state highway patrol for information on whether he may face charges.

The area of the incident is near State Park Marina, which KOLR reported is a popular place for boaters and cliff jumpers.

There have been five deaths at Table Rock Lake this year, according to state highway patrol data.

This story was originally published July 11, 2022 at 7:39 AM.