A well-known Arlington businessman was killed and a second man critically injured this weekend after striking a bridge while boating on Cedar Creek Reservoir.
Details of the Fatal Boating Accident
President and CEO of Arlington-based Galactic Performance Solutions, Daniel Mohorc, 64, was taken by helicopter ambulance to an area hospital, where he later succumbed from his injuries. The second man, dentist Anthony Henegar, 45, of Arlington, remained in a critical condition on Monday.
According to Star Telegram, the lake is approximately 80 miles southeast of Forth Worth in Henderson and Kaufman counties.
A spokesman affiliated with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Steve Lightfoot, stated that the two men were among adults and teens traveling in a Regal pleasure boat when it struck the Texas 198 bridge near Payne Springs about 11:30 p.m on Friday. Lightfoot said the initial field report indicated that Mohorc and Henegar were standing in the boat, but this was later dismissed, as it appeared to be untrue.
The operator of the boat, 58-year-old Larry Scala of Arlington, was arrested on suspicion of boating while under the influence of alcohol. He was booked into the Henderson County Jail and released after posting $5,000 bail.
In addition to this, Lightfood said authorities obtained a blood sample from Scala but alcohol level results were not yet back.
He stated that the investigation is still ongoing, and it was unknown as to whether Scala would face additional charges.
Maritime Accident Statistics
The following information was provided by the U.S. Coast Guard:
- 4,158 boating accidents were reported to the U.S. Coast Guard in 2015, resulting in 626 deaths and 2,613 injuries.
- In incidents in which cause of death was known, 76% of boating deaths were attributed to drowning.
- 85% of those drowning victims were not wearing life jackets.
- 22 children under the age of 13 were killed in boating accidents in 2015.
- Open motorboats accounted for the highest percent of boating fatalities at 45%.
