Colby Smith, 14, killed in airboat accident in Belle Glade in Palm Beach County, Florida

Modified Date: 
Mon, 10/31/2022 - 12:54pm
Accident Date: 
Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Teen Dies in Airboat Accident in Belle Glade: FWC(link is external)

As reported by NBC affiliate WPTV, 14-year-old Colby Smith was on an airboat with his father Wednesday in the area of Torry Island Campground and Marina in Belle Glade. Witnesses tell WPTV that they saw the airboat flip over, sending the father and son into the water.

Help send Colby Smith to Heaven: Gofundme(link is external)

We are trying to put our little brother to rest. Colby Smith was only 14 years old. He was an amazing son, brother, uncle and friends. Colby loved his family and friends. He was the youngest of seven children and an uncle to 7 nieces and 3 newphews.

Boy, 14, dies following airboat crash in Belle Glade, FWC officials confirm(link is external)

FWC investigators said Smith told them he had just purchased the airboat and he and his son were taking it out on its maiden voyage. Smith said he had no experience driving airboats.

Teen killed in airboat crash(link is external)

The father told Palm Beach County deputies that he managed to swim to shore but then couldn't see his son.

Loxahatchee boy, 14, dies after airboat accident in Belle Glade(link is external)

Divers from Palm Beach County Fire Rescue recovered the boy, who was taken to Lakeside Medical Center in Belle Glade, and then flown to St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach, where he was pronounced dead just before 6 p.m.

Colby Smith and his father were riding in an airboat in the area of Torry Island Campground and Marina in Belle Glade when witnesses say they saw the airboat flip over. The father made it to shore, bu Colby went under the water. Divers with Palm Beach County Fire Rescue were able to find him, and he was taken to Lakeside Medical Center then flown by helicopter to St. Mary's Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. Father and son were not wearing life jackets at the time of the accident.

People Involved: 
Colby Smith

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