Hebron, NH (WMUR/CNN) – A 12-year-old was killed Monday when her father, who was operating a boat, became distracted by his hat and accidentally hit the girl.
Zoe Anderson, 12, was learning to water ski about 8:30 a.m. Monday when she fell in the lake, according to New Hampshire Marine Patrol officials.
Her parents and 14-year-old sister were in the boat, and her father was behind the wheel when he became distracted by his hat blowing off.
"The boat was attempting to bring a ski line back to the skier. The operator was momentarily distracted, and as a result, the boat did strike the victim at a slow rate of speed, but unfortunately, the victim sustained serious injuries,” Sgt. Joshua Dirth said.
Authorities say the boat was in neutral when the girl was hit by the propeller.
"Family members did enter the water and were able to remove the victim from the water. At that point, they did call 911, and they made transport back to the shoreline,” Dirth said.
The family was met by first responders, who began CPR, authorities say. A medical helicopter was called to the scene, but officials say the girl died before she could be transported.
While the case is still under investigation, officials say it appears to be an accident.
"I think this is a family that for all intents and purposes was having a beautiful day out on Newfound Lake, and they were looking to spend the day together, and unfortunately, in a blink of an eye, everything changed. This is a tragedy," Dirth said.
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