A tragic boating accident on Lake Tyler West claimed the life of a 75-year-old Tyler man on the evening of Saturday, May 17, 2025. According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the incident involved a collision between a personal watercraft (jet ski) and a recreational boat carrying four occupants.
The victim, identified as Stephen Ward, was operating the jet ski at the time of the crash. Emergency responders from Smith County Emergency Services District No. 2, Tyler Police, Whitehouse Police, and the Texas Game Wardens arrived at the scene shortly after 5:53 p.m., following reports that Ward had been ejected into the water during the impact.
Bystanders quickly pulled Ward from the lake and transported him to the Lake Tyler Marina, where he was later taken by ambulance to a local hospital. Despite rescue efforts, Ward was pronounced dead at the hospital. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those impacted by this incident.
Potential Causes and Contributing Factors
While the incident is still under active investigation, the Texas Game Warden State Forensics Reconstruction and Mapping Team has seized both the boat and the personal watercraft for detailed examination. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the precise cause of death. There are a number of known risks of an accident involving a jet ski and larger boat on Lake Tyler.
Boating collisions between personal watercraft and larger boats often occur due to:
- Visibility limitations or blind spots
- Failure to yield or maintain safe distance
- High speeds or sudden maneuvering by either vessel
- Environmental factors, such as sun glare, wake turbulence, or congested lake areas
- Operator inexperience or unfamiliarity with boating right-of-way rules
It is currently unknown what led to the collision on Lake Tyler West, but forensic analysis will likely include scene mapping, impact reconstruction, and mechanical inspections.
Risks and Safety Considerations
This tragic incident highlights the inherent risks of jet ski accidents, particularly when sharing waterways with larger, more stable vessels. Jet skis are agile and fast, but they offer minimal protection in the event of a crash and can be easily destabilized by waves or vessel wakes.
Important safety considerations include:
- Ensuring proper training and certification for all operators
- Maintaining safe speeds and avoiding close approaches to other boats
- Monitoring visibility and avoiding blind zones
- Adhering to Texas boating laws and navigation rules
When multiple types of vessels share the water, clear communication, distance, and caution are essential to prevent accidents like this one.
Legal Rights and Options
When a fatal watercraft collision occurs, the surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim if evidence indicates negligence by another party. Liability may rest with:
- The operator of the other vessel
- The owner of the recreational boat
- A third-party rental or maintenance company if mechanical issues contributed to the crash
- Event organizers or lake operators, in rare cases, if safety regulations were not enforced
A thorough investigation can help determine whether this was a tragic accident or the result of a failure to follow boating safety protocols. A boating injury lawyer can assist the family in securing compensation for medical costs, funeral expenses, and loss of companionship.
Speak With a Boating Injury Lawyer
At Spagnoletti Law Firm, our attorneys have extensive experience representing families affected by recreational boating accidents. If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to a collision on the water, we can help you understand your rights and seek accountability. Call 713-804-9306 today for a free consultation.