Wreck

[dport]

Reported on Bassfan.com

Williams airlifted 10/11/2006
(Updated at 9:41 EST Wed., Oct. 12: It was erroneously reported that Gary Haraguchi was Horton's day 1 co-angler. The co-angler is now believed to be Leon Williams, although that is still unconfirmed.)

BassFan was told by numerous sources, including at least two anglers fishing today's Lake of the Ozarks FLW Series, that a wreck occurred resulting in injury. Note that no details have been confirmed, but all sources reported that pro Tim Horton and his co-angler were thrown from Horton's boat during day 1 of competition. The co-angler is believed to be Leon Williams of Fairdale, Ky.

Reportedly, the co-angler suffered a spinal injury and was airlifted to a St. Louis, Mo. hospital for surgery. The extent of the injury in unknown. Horton is reported to be okay, and on his way to St. Louis.

BassFan currently has calls in to both Horton and FLW Outdoors officials for confirmation

[Jiggernaut]

Hope they both come out of it OK> Wonder what caused them to be thrown? Cruiser wakes?

[Hydrilla Gorilla]

I just read that Timmy blanked and I guess that would be a reason.

[dport]

I am betting it was a wake from a big cruiser. The boat can be long gone and the wake can travel a long way.

[Duff]

Wow looks like fishing is a contact sport.

[Hydrilla Gorilla]

Update from BassZone:

Alabama pro, Tim Horton was involved in a boating accident while participating in the FLW Tour Series event at Lake of the Ozarks. A number of the pros told the BZ about the accident but we were unable to confirm the situation with FLW Outdoors officials.

According to a report filed by the Missouri State Water Patrol, around 3:00pm, Horton was traveling around 55mph when he hit a cruiser wake. Horton’s amateur partner, Thomas (Leon) Williams, of Fairdale, Kentucky, and Horton were thrown over the right side of the boat. Horton was not injured but Williams, age 62, was taken to Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach then later flown to St. Johns Hospital in Springfield, Mo. The report also mentioned that Williams suffered a possible fractured lower lumbar.

The BASS ZONE did not try to contact Horton due to the serious condition of Williams. According to an angler that we spoke with, Horton did travel to the hospital to be with Williams and will not be competing during the remainder of the event.