Teenager Dies After Being Struck by Boat Propeller
A 15-year-old, Alba, Fla. boy was pronounced dead at Lower Keys Medical Center on Stock Island Sunday, September 2, after he was struck by a boat propeller in Lower Keys waters.
The Sheriff’s Office was notified of the incident about 12:30 p.m in the Kemp Channel. According to reports from the Fish and Wildlife, the 25-foot boat was drifting with the motor running about three miles north of Cudjoe Key with eight people onboard. The operator was the boy’s father, Jason Schreyer, who suddenly lost his balance and fell onto the throttle. This caused the boat to take off quickly, and 15-year old, Hayden Schreyer, fell overboard and was struck in the head by a boat propeller.
The boy was taken to Venture Out Resort on Cudjoe Key to wait for paramedics. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Monroe County Sheriff’s Office officers were both on scene. Jason Schreyer sustained a fractured tibia.
The Sheriff’s Office Trauma Star helicopter was called and then cancelled due to the boy going into cardiac arrest. The helicopter was placed on stand-by.
The boy was taken to the hospital on Stock Island and was pronounced dead. A boating accident investigation is being conducted.
The FWC stated that it “would like to extend our deepest condolences to the victim’s family and friends during this time.”
A “Go Fund Me Page” has been to created to support Hayden’s family.
This story was updated on 9/5/18 with additional details.
