safety
Boy, 5, miraculously survives being hit by boat propeller while at lake with family, loved ones say
By Emma Beck , Jill Lyman, Jordan Gartner at Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News
· July 16, 2026
· 2 min read
NEWBURGH, Ind. (WFIE/Gray News) - A young boy remains at the hospital more than a week after being injured in a boating accident.Jentry Pace, 5, was with his family at Patoka Lake on July 5 when a boat’s propeller hit him. The boy’s father, John Pace, pulled Jentry from the water and brought him ...
Key takeaway Jentry Pace, 5, was with his family at Patoka Lake on July 5 when a boat’s propeller hit him.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
The harrowing incident at Patoka Lake serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can lurk in recreational water activities, a concern that resonates deeply in Atlanta , where numerous lakes and waterways are popular destinations for families. As the Pace family navigates the long and challenging road to recovery, Atlantans can reflect on the importance of water safety and emergency preparedness. The quick thinking and actions of Jentry's father, John Pace, a captain with the Ohio Township Fire Department, undoubtedly played a crucial role in saving his son's life. This incident may prompt local authorities and water safety advocates in Atlanta to reassess and reinforce boating safety protocols and emergency response plans, ensuring that residents and visitors alike can enjoy the city's waterways with minimal risk. The outpouring of support for the Pace family, including fundraisers and donation drives, also highlights the value of community solidarity in times of crisis.
About this story
Original reporting by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? NEWBURGH, Ind. (WFIE/Gray News) - A young boy remains at the hospital more than a week after being injured in a boating accident.Jentry Pace, 5, was with his family at Patoka Lake on July 5 when a boat’s propeller hit him. The boy’s father, John Pace, pulled Jentry from the water and brought him ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 16, 2026 by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Emma Beck , Jill Lyman, Jordan Gartner at Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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