Fatal Collision Between Two Personal Watercraft on Crystal Lake Claims One Life

Washington Co., Mo. (KFMO) - A recreational outing on Crystal Lake in the Woodland Lakes area of Washington County ended in tragedy Saturday evening after two personal watercraft collided, resulting in the death of one operator.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the incident occurred at approximately 7:18 p.m. on June 13, 2026, when a 2002 Polaris personal watercraft traveling northbound and a 2005 Sea-Doo personal watercraft traveling southbound entered a collision course while performing circular stunt maneuvers on the water.

Investigators say the two operators were driving toward each other when the front of one watercraft struck the driver of the second. The impact ejected the 40-year-old male operator from Arnold into the lake.

Emergency personnel responded to the scene, but the man was pronounced dead on site by the Washington County Coroner. Authorities confirmed he was wearing a safety device at the time of the crash.

Both personal watercraft sustained minor damage and were later towed from the scene.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.