On June 8, 2017, at approximately 7:30PM, Lake County Sheriff’s Marine Unit Deputies responded to Grass Lake, nearly Blarney Island, Unincorporated Antioch, for a boat crash with injuries. Marine Unit Deputies were already in the area for the weekly boat races. Boat races are held every Thursday on Grass Lake, and are sponsored by the Northern Illinois Drag Boat Association.

Preliminary investigation shows a 1976, 17’ Rodek boat, being operated by a 59 year-old man of Bristol, Wisconsin, was participating in the weekly boat race. During the race, it is estimated the speed of the boat reached speeds above 120MPH. After encountering a possible wake in the water, the boat crashed. The boat rolled several times and the operator was ejected. The operator was wearing a personal floatation device and helmet.

The operator was initially unconscious in the water before being rescued by personnel monitoring the boat races. He regained consciousness and was transported to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, via ambulance, with injuries believed to be non-life threatening.

The incident remains under investigation by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit.