Fatal Kayaking Event

Fatal Kayaking Event
Case #19-12983
For Immediate Release

***UPDATE: 5/31/2019 @ 3:50 p.m. ***

The victim is identified as Trace Richardson AGE 31 of Portland, Texas. According to the investigation, Trace died from the initial impact of the boat striking him while in his kayak.

We continue to work closely with the Texas Parks And Wildlife Game Wardens as we reconstruct the accident. Several witnesses have been interviewed and have provided helpful information on this fatality.

We have a high degree of confidece we have located the boat and its operator responsible for striking Trace’s kayak. Based on evidence recovered, we believe the collision occurred around 5:42 AM on 05/27/2019. Sunrise on that date was at 6:34 am. Trace wasn’t wearing a life jacket and didn’t appear to have any proper lighting on him or his kayak at the time of the crash. All evidence at this time points to this event being a tragic accident.

The investigation is ongoing and no further details or updates will be released unless the status of this case should change.

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Original Release

This morning around 7 a.m., officers were sent to the area of Harbor Island Road for a body floating in the water. The male victim was found floating near Harbor Island north of the Aransas Channel.

Approximately a quarter of a mile west of the body police found the victim’s kayak, which was severely damaged. Some of the victim’s belongings were also found inside the kayak. The victim’s truck was found just south on land from where his damaged kayak had been located.

Based on evidence at the scene and from speaking to witnesses, it is believed the male subject was there to fish the area. It appears he was involved in a crash with another vessel, one larger than his kayak. It is likely the boat that struck the victim’s kayak sustained damage, and the operator may have been unaware of the collision at the time it occurred.

Police continue to investigate the incident and are speaking with the victims family. We ask that anyone who witnessed the event contact our police department at 361-758-5224 or submit a tip via Tri-County Crime Stoppers at https://p3tips.com/437 or by calling 758-8477 (TIPS).

[panel title=”SPECIAL REMINDER” style=”primary”] We want to remind those on the water to use proper safety gear including lighting when required as well as personal floatation devices for boaters and kayakers alike. Make sure you remain aware of your surroundings and be cautious when traversing heavily traveled areas like the Aransas Channel. [/panel]

Media related questions should be directed to Det. Mike Luna by calling 361-758-5224.

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