Herrington Lake, Kentucky – A local man faces serious criminal charges after a tragic boat collision on the Fourth of July weekend. Cody Casey, 34, was indicted Tuesday on a series of counts that include second-degree manslaughter, assault and eleven counts of wanton endangerment.
Details of the incident
According to the indictment, Casey was operating a wake boat on the lake when it struck and overrode a pontoon vessel. The impact caused the pontoon to flip, throwing a passenger, 25-year-old Nazar Svintozelsky, into the water. Svintozelsky was unable to be rescued in time and was later found deceased after his body was recovered from the lake two days after the crash.
The pontoon’s operator, 58-year-old Alex Svintozelsky, sustained serious injuries but survived the collision. Emergency responders arrived promptly, providing medical care to the injured and securing the scene.
Legal proceedings
Casey’s indictment lists the following charges:
- Second-degree manslaughter
- Assault
- Eleven counts of wanton endangerment
He is being held on a bond set at one million dollars while awaiting further court action. The indictment indicates that prosecutors believe Casey’s actions were reckless and directly led to the loss of life and injuries.
Community response
The tragedy has resonated with residents around Herrington Lake and the broader Jefferson County area. Local officials expressed condolences to the Svintozelsky family and emphasized the importance of safe boating practices, especially during holiday celebrations when water traffic increases.
“Our thoughts are with the family of Nazar Svintozelsky and with anyone affected by this heartbreaking event,” said a spokesperson for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. “We urge all boaters to operate their vessels responsibly and to be mindful of the safety of others on the water.”
Safety reminders
Authorities continue to remind the public that Kentucky law requires boat operators to maintain a safe speed, avoid reckless maneuvers, and ensure that all passengers wear appropriate life jackets. Violations can result in severe penalties, including criminal charges as seen in this case.
For more information on boating safety, residents can consult the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, which offers guidelines and educational resources for safe water recreation.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
