AUSTIN, Texas — Police have located the body of a missing teenager after a boat ran aground on Lake Austin on Sunday evening, with seven people involved.
Austin-Travis County EMS (ATCEMS) said the incident happened in the 10600 block of River Terrace Circle, near Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan Park, around 6:11 p.m. The boat was going downstream when it hit the wake of another boat, losing control and smashing into the bank.
One teenager was missing following the incident, ATCEMS said. Rescue efforts were shifted to recovery mode at around 7 p.m. Sunday.
On Monday morning, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) said recovery efforts were suspended late Sunday night but resumed on Monday morning. TPWD game wardens were assisting the Austin Police Department's dive team with recovery efforts.
In an update on Tuesday, police said officials had recovered the body of the teenager, identified as 14-year-old Kaden Forke. Forke's body was recovered on Monday evening, police said.
On Tuesday, Lake Travis ISD sent a message to parents and staff confirming Forke was an incoming freshman at Lake Travis High School. The district said Forke completed the eighth grade at Hudson Bend Middle School in May. Crisis counseling teams will be on LTISD campuses beginning on Wednesday.
Deborah Chong, who visits the park frequently, saw law enforcement out on the water.
"I saw the police boat and park ranger boat pull up with their lights flashing. Especially heartbreaking – I have teenage daughter, Jodie does as well. It's especially heartbreaking knowing it's a teenager," Chong said.
As for those injured on Sunday, several people were taken by Austin Fire Department Jet Skis to an ambulance exchange point.
As of 7:35 p.m. Sunday, four people had been taken from the scene to the hospital – three by medics to St. David's South Austin Medical Center and another airlifted to Dell Seton Medical Center by STAR Flight, with serious and potentially serious injuries. Two others refused treatment.
In total, six ambulances responded to the scene. Crews from the Austin Police Department Lake Patrol also responded to the scene.
ATCEMS said the area was remote with difficult access.
No other information is available.