Jet skiers injured on Des Moines River

The Boone County Sheriff’s office responded to a jet ski accident on the Des Moines River around 7 p.m. Saturday, June 21. Three individuals were operating jet skis in the area of the US 30 boat ramp when two skis apparently collided, sending both operators to the hospital with serious injuries. Christian Whitney, 42 of Rippey was transported to Boone County Hospital. Kevin Davis, 42, Johnston, was taken to Boone and transferred to Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources officer Matt Bruner reported that the Des Moines River was 1’ above flood stage at the time of the accident.  While the cause of the accident is still under investigation, Bruner feels the high water may have been a contributing factor. “They were experienced riders, having rode the river a good number of years,” said Bruner, “but high water means a lot of floating debris and the very strong currents will often affect boating.” Without life jackets, he feels these men would not have survived. “The life jackets literally saved their lives, hands down, 100%.”  

According to  Bruner one individual at the scene was arrested for intoxication.”

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