Boat Passenger Hurt After Crash on Lake Mitchell in Coosa Co., AL

Coosa County, AL (June 29, 2026) – A boat passenger was hurt on Friday night, June 27, after two bass boats collided on Lake Mitchell in Hatchet Creek. 

Trevor Howell, 30, of Munford, was operating a 17-foot boat that struck another 17-foot boat operated by 24-year-old Duncan Davis, of Deatsville. Howell was thrown into the water but was not hurt. A passenger in Howell's boat, 38-year-old Natasha Holt, was also thrown overboard and was taken to Baptist Medical Center East in Montgomery for treatment. Davis was not hurt.

No further details about the circumstances of the crash were confirmed in the initial report. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is investigating. 

We hope Natasha Holt receives the best possible care and makes a full recovery.

What Legal Options Does a Boat Passenger Have After a Boating Accident in Coosa County, AL?

A passenger hurt in a boating accident in Coosa County may have legal options similar to those available after a vehicle crash, as Alabama law allows individuals injured due to another boater's negligence to pursue a personal injury claim regardless of which boat they were riding in at the time of the collision.

The key issue in many of these cases is determining whether the actions of one or more operators contributed to the crash.

With that in mind, establishing whether either operator failed to maintain a proper lookout, was traveling at an unsafe speed for the conditions on the water, or otherwise violated boating safety regulations will be central to determining liability between the vessels involved.

Much like roadway accidents, even small decisions made in the moments before impact can become important when assigning responsibility.

At the same time, boating accidents often involve evidence that differs from what is typically seen in vehicle collisions. Questions about navigation lights, vessel speed, operator visibility, and compliance with right-of-way rules specific to watercraft can all influence the outcome of an investigation.

As investigators continue reviewing the incident, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency will likely examine factors such as weather and visibility conditions on the water, the location of each vessel before impact, and statements provided by both operators regarding how the collision occurred.

This information can help clarify not only how the crash happened but also whether responsibility may be shared between multiple parties.

Beyond liability, insurance coverage can create an additional layer of complexity. Unlike automobiles, recreational boats in Alabama are not subject to the same insurance requirements, making it important to identify what policies, if any, apply to each vessel involved and whether additional coverage may be available.

In addition to identifying all relevant insurance policies and pursuing compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and other accident-related losses, an attorney may be able to assist the injured passenger in looking into the circumstances surrounding the collision.

If you have questions after a crash in Alabama, you can contact Cockrell, Cockrell, Ritchey & Ritchey at 205-349-2009 to speak with our Alabama personal injury lawyer. We can provide clear information and discuss available options related to your situation.

Notes: Our writers relied on secondary sources to create this article. Our staff has not independently verified all of the circumstances surrounding this accident; therefore, if you find any incorrect information, please contact Cockrell, Cockrell, Ritchey & Ritchey, LLP immediately so that we can update the post to reflect the most accurate information available. The post may be deleted upon request.

Disclaimer: This post's content is not intended to serve as legal or medical advice. The image used in this post was not taken at the described accident scene. This post is not intended as a business solicitation.