Jason Ward, 44, of Mishawaka, was operating a 2014 Moomba Runabout Ski Boat carrying six passengers on Lake Shafer Saturday night when the boat collided with an overhanging tree, rendering Ward unconscious. The boat continued before running aground into the bank.
Ward was flown from IU White Memorial Hospital to Methodist Hospital in a Lifeline Helicopter. His condition is unknown at this time.
Passenger James Scott, of Valparaiso, was flown from IU White Memorial Hospital to Methodist Hospital in a Lutheran Air Helicopter. Scott is listed in stable condition.
John Mahoney, of Porter, was transported to IU White Memorial by ambulance. His condition is unknown.
The additional passengers included Tina Barnes, Lynn Colby, Greg Barnes, and James Svetich, all from Valparaiso.
Further investigation, including a reconstruction of the incident, will take place by Indiana Conservation Officers over the next several days.
Speed and alcohol are believed to be a factor in the incident, which happened in the area of 800 North and West Shafer Drive.