Boy Hit By Boat Now In Stable Condition: Family Members

CARY, IL — A 6-year-old Cary boy who was seriously injured when he was hit by a boat after diving under the murky water at a beach near Fox River Grove Sunday afternoon is now in stable condition, the Daily Herald reports. The incident occurred when a 19-year-old Algonquin man was driving a 18-foot Bayliner toward the beach at Picnic Grove Park to dock at about 4:45 p.m. Family members told authorities the boy remains at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge as of Tuesday but could be released, McHenry County Sheriff's Office Deputy Sandra Rogers told the Daily Herald.

Meanwhile, police have not cited the teen, who witnesses told investigators was driving slowly and cautiously to a dock when he his boat hit the young boy, according to the Daily Herald.

The child was next spotted floating unconscious next to the boat and was pulled from the water, authorities said. Once on the beach, bystanders performed life-saving measure.

The Fox River Grove Fire Protection District, Fox River Grove Police Department, and Flight for Life along with the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office responded to the park at 598 Birch Lane in unincorporated Fox River Grove.

The juvenile was transported by Flight for Life to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge with life-threatening injuries.

"It's one of those situations where it sounds really bad, but it turns out good," Rogers told the Daily Herald.

Alcohol is not considered to be a factor in this accident. The investigation is ongoing by the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit.

The location does not have buoys set up to separate boaters from swimmers or restrict either of the activities, according to media reports.

PHOTO VIA SHUTTERSTOCK