Authorities say no charges will be filed in connection with a May 30th boating accident on the Coralville Reservoir that killed a 12-year-old girl. Sarah Perkins of Fairfield died after she fell off a tube and was hit by a passing boat.
The tube was being pulled by a boat operated by Janyce Gray of Cedar Rapids. Perkins was struck in the water by a vessel operated by 42-year-old James Zahorik of Cedar Rapids. The accident happened near a “no wake” zone.
Investigators say Zahorik was coming out of the zone and was increasing his speed as Gray was approaching the area. Both boaters turned to the left. At some point, Perkins fell off the tube, into the turbulent water and was struck by Zahorik’s boat. D.N.R. and Johnson County officials reviewed the case and say no charges will be filed.
A blood alcohol test showed Zahorik was below the .10 threshold of being considered intoxicated under Iowa’s boating laws.