A father and daughter have died in a boat crash on a Missouri river that left the remaining family members hospitalized in a serious condition.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol said the family of six and a friend were riding along Gasconade River around 7pm on Sunday.
Reven Newbound, 30, was driving a 2002 Gaterboat upstream when they struck a root that caused the vessel to crash into a rock bluff.
The young father and his seven-year-old daughter were pronounced dead at the scene.
His wife, 29-year-old Samantha Newbound, was transported to the University of Missouri Hospital by air ambulance. Their three other children – an infant boy, 4-year-old girl and 9-year-old girl – were taken to the hospital by EMS.
Reven Newbound (right), 30, and his seven-year-old daughter (center left) died in a boat crash on a Missouri river that left the remaining family members (pictured) hospitalized
The family was in a 2002 Gaterboat driving upstream along the Gasconade River (pictured) when they struck a root that caused the vessel to crash into a rock bluff
Family friend Taylor McClure, 21, was treated for minor injuries at the scene.
According to the incident report, all four of the children were wearing safety devices while the adults were not.
Reven worked as a laborer foreman at Kolb Grading and was beloved by the community.
‘A huge loss. The schools especially. Losing a little girl. Losing your friend. Losing your classmate,’ Jeff Arnold, Chief of Owensville Volunteer Fire Department, told Fox 2.
‘Reven was a very well known around the community, doing the demolition derbies and such. Overall, well-rounded guy; great loss for the community.’
Reven (right) was well known in the community and participated in demolition derbies
The young mother and her three children are expected to make a full recovery
The family from Owensville had purchased a new home in August, their real estate broker said on Facebook.
Samantha shared a tribute to her husband and daughter Tuesday, saying ‘Reality is hitting hard this morning… Reven was one who knew the river so good I was never afraid of him ever putting us in danger, I just don’t get why this had to happened to my family. I love you both so much.’
A GoFundMe set up for the family said the mother and her three children are expected to make a full recovery.
‘The journey ahead will be long and challenging. We want to ensure that financial burdens are the last thing on Sam’s mind during this difficult time,’ the fundraiser said.