Julie Mertins and Timothy Mertins.Photo:Julie Mertins/Facebook (2)
Julie Mertins/Facebook (2)
An Illinois couple died after becoming trapped underneath a boat they were traveling in.
Illinois’ Department of Natural Resources said an open motorboat was traveling “very fast” on the Fox River in McHenry on Saturday when it came ashore, hit a home and split in half, according to theLake and McHenry County ScannerandNorthwest Herald.
The two were trapped underneath the boat as a result of the crash, the outlets reported.
A man, identified as 62-year-old Timothy Mertins, of McHenry, was transported to Advocate Condell Medical Center via medical helicopter, where he later died in the operating room, Banek said.
The victims were husband and wife, Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director of Communications Jayette Bolinski said, according to the Scanner.
Preliminary results of an autopsy conducted Monday indicate that Timothy also “died from Blunt Force Injuries as a result of the crash,” according to the Lake County coroner’s release.
IDNR did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
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Connor Lively said he told someone to call for help before trying to help move the boat off the woman, who seemingly was not breathing, and the man, who appeared to be unconscious.
Julie’s longtime friend, Sandi Schober, remembered the couple as “always kind-hearted, giving, hardworking people” who “raised two great kids” together, according to theHerald.
“We really had a lot of laughs and great memories,” said Schober, who described them as “positive people.”
ICP is still investigating the crash.
source: people.com
