A couple was killed Saturday when their out-of-control speedboat careened out of an Illinois river and into a house — a violent crash that split the vessel in two.
Heartbreaking surveillance footage shows the couple’s motorboat bouncing on rough roads as it slides toward the shores of the Fox River in McHenry, a town about 60 miles northwest of Chicago.
The ship hit the beach and continued to accelerate 73 feet along the grass until it crashed into a house.
“The hull of the boat was separated in two,” according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
People rushed to rescue the couple, who were trapped under the debris.
Julie Mertins, 61, was pronounced dead at the scene after suffering blunt force trauma.
Her husband Timothy Mertins, 62, survived the initial crash and was taken to a nearby hospital, where he died on the operating table.
His cause of death was also attributed to blunt force trauma, according to the coroner’s verdict.
The couple is just a month shy of their 33rd anniversary.
Julie and Timothy Mertins are just a month away from their 33rd birthday. Davenport Family Funeral
What led to the Mertins’ tragic accident remains unclear — and toxicology reports for the couple are still pending.
Witnesses reported seeing their motorboat moving “very fast” up and down the Fox River, IDNR said.
The boat “weaved and crossed the water” until it hit the shoreline at high speed and hit a house, which sustained minor damage.
Julie was pronounced dead at the scene. Julie Mertins/Facebook
A witness claimed the pair appeared to be making a tight circle at high speed when they lost control of the motorboat.
The boat made a “big circle around, back toward the rocks” and made a right turn still “very fast,” the woman, who asked not to be identified, told the Lake McHenry Scanner.
The boat didn’t slow down before it flew and crashed.
Heartbreaking surveillance footage shows the couple’s motorboat bouncing on rough waves as it slides toward the Fox River beach.ABC7
The couple is remembered as a selfless and loving couple who died together doing what they loved.
“They did everything together from yard work to grocery shopping,” read their obituary.
“If Tim is the Captain, Julie is the First Mate, and they love to be out on the water every chance they get. They will celebrate 33 years of marriage on October 20.”
Categories: Trending
Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
