SOMERS POINT, NJ (WUSA9) — A fun day on the water turned tragic when a father and his 10-year-old son died in jet ski collision on the Patcong Creek on Saturday afternoon.
The father and son were taken to Shore Memorial Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
The driver of the other jet ski, a 55-year-old woman from Egg Harbor was treated for a broken wrist.
Officials said there was no immediate indication that alcohol was a factor. The jet skis collided as they rounded a sharp curve from opposite directions. Officials believe that the father was sitting behind his son at the time of the crash.
Both crafts were taken to a nearby marina where they have been impounded pending further forensic examination by NJSP detectives.
Though still under investigation, officers believe limited visibility and the fact that the boy was closest to the steering wheel and controls are possible contributing circumstances.
If you or your loved ones venture out on the water this season on any kind of boat, please obey all licensing requirements and follow all operation laws.
According to New Jersey State Police, the jet skis were registered in Maryland, however the father and son are not from the state.
Police identified the father as 43-year-old James Hamilton and the son as 10-year-old Connor Hamilton of Horseheads, NY.
Editor's Note: In an earlier version of this story, the father and son were identified as Maryland residents. This is inaccurate. Instead the jet skis are registered in Maryland. We apologize for this error.
