Girl In Boating Accident Upgraded To Fair Condition

GREEN OAK TWP. (WWJ) - Thirty-four-year-old James Everard of Whitmore Lake was pronounced dead after he and his daughter were thrown from their 14-foot aluminum fishing boat which was upright and spinning out of control when police arrived.

A couple heard screaming coming from the middle of the lake and saw a small boat moving in circles.

"The boat was discovered, at the time of the incident, to be operating at fast throttle in gear, traveling in circles, we are not certain at this time, as to how both occupants of the water craft became ejected," says Green Oak Township Deputy Police Chief Jason Pless.

Chief Pless who tells WWJ that it was not unusual for Everard to take his daughter out onto the water. 

"His two-year-old daughter, who was in the water craft with him, is currently at the U of M hospital in Ann Arbor in Pediatric ICU and she is listed in fair condition at this time," Chief Pless says.

Chief  Pless who tells WWJ that the young girl was saved because she was wearing a life jacket.  Her father was not. 

The incident remains under investigation.