One person killed, several injured, when boat hits culvert on Hampton Lake in Floral City

On May 17, 2022, at approximately 5:22 p.m., the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) was notified of a boating incident involving five individuals on Hampton Lake of the Tsala Apopka Lake Chain in Floral City, Florida.

Preliminary information indicates that the vessel was traveling east when it struck a metal culvert, causing one of the passengers to be injected into the water. This person was hit by the propeller and pronounced deceased at the scene. The investigation into this incident is ongoing.

"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim during this difficult time," said Karen Parker, spokesperson for the FWC.

According to Cortney Marsh, Communications Specialist with Citrus County Fire Rescue (CCFR), six people were on board the vessel, which included the person who was pronounced deceased. She said that three of the people were transported to a local hospital, and two of the vessel occupants refused to be transported to a hospital for medical care, one of which was in the presence of a guardian and released to the FWC.