Boat, jet ski collide in fatal crash on Smith Mountain Lake

PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY (WSLS 10) - "It was all mostly just the lights and the fire trucks and the ambulances," recalled boater Kelly Roach.

That's what Roach saw around 7:45 Sunday evening from where he was staying on the island near the Anthony Ford boat ramp.

A 21 ft. fishing boat and a 10 ft. jet ski collided near the boat ramp. The 17 year old female passenger on the jet ski was killed and the 19 year old driver was injured and taken to Carillion Franklin Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The 20 year old driver of the fishing boat and the 22 year old passenger were not injured in the crash.

Department of Game and Inland Fisheries officials would not comment about whether charges would be filed, but say they are always a possibility.

The Department says alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash.

DGIF officials say other people on the lake at the time helped get the 17 year old out of the water after the accident and a doctor who happened to be near by tried to help her.

The DGIF says the names of those involved in the crash were not being released Monday because the investigation is ongoing and it involves a minor.

Now, people who live near the lake reflect on the accident.

Roach says he lost two family members to accidents years ago, so he knows how tough it can be to tragically lose a loved one.

"It was like a flashback almost. I saw [the scene] and almost felt the same feeling," Roach said. "It brings tears to my eyes."

He says he always takes every precaution he can because he knows other people don't - which can create a dangerous situation for everyone on the lake, especially on one of the busiest weekends of the year.

"Sometimes, the youngsters just aren't as careful as they probably should be. They think that they're invincible and nothing can happen," he emphasized.

Kevin Gehsmann's family has a home on the lake near the Anthony Ford boat ramp.

He says when he saw the flashing lights from the emergency crews he knew something was wrong.

"We were just concerned for everybody's safety," said Gehsmann.

He says all of the boats on the water over the July 4th weekend make him nervous, but it also makes him more aware of the need to be careful on the water.

"I think this definitely raises some eyes to what they can do in the future as far as safety and stuff like that," Gehsmann explained.