West Des Moines Man Killed by Trauma, Not Drowning

The Polk County Medical Examiner says the West Des Moines man killed in a Father’s Day boating accident died from multiple blunt force trauma, according to the Des Moines Register.

Officials are still working to determine what caused the injuries that killed Kelly Starrett, 49, a local musician.

Two boats collided June 17 on the Des Moines River near Birdland Marina during a family outing.

Authorities tested the blood alcohol levels of the operators of both boats involved. Steven Mayo’s blood alcohol content was .129 and Tony Starrett, 46, had a blood alcohol level of .172, the newspaper said. Both men have been charged with boating while intoxicated.

Remembering Starrett

A benefit for Starrett was held June 21 at the Thirsty Sportsman in Des Moines, as more than 200 people gathered to honor a beloved musician, family member and friend.

Starrett, a musician for decades, had frequently played a Thursday night set at the Thirsty Sportsman. Several of his former band members, including Dave Jones, turned out to play in his memory.

"It's just tragic," Jones said. "(Kelly's) son's probably going to carry on. He taught his son everything from birth. I was just playing with his son, and it was like playing with Kelly again."

Starrett performed with several bands over the years, including Alchemist, Mosh Libido, and Roadshow.