5 Dead in Poker Run Crash Lake Texoma

[Skatin]

Today there was a head on collision at the High Roller Poker Run at Lake Texoma in Texas. Nashville Catz and Flash Gordon were destroyed. From what I understand there were 6 people involved and 5 fatalities. I just spoke to Gordon 2 days ago he lives a couple of miles away from me. This is just totally messed up..

[USAFAggie]

Anyone know how or why? Everyone affected will be in my prayers tonite...

[Maureen M]

:eek:
That is terrible...my thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved. :(

[Capt.Doug Metko]

Our hearts and prayers go out to all envolved,these things just don't need to happen...

[Liquid Force]

Very sad news, my thoughts are with the family,

there is a huge thread on OSO about it.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/showthread.php?t=139464

[Hot Shot Merc]

How in the hell do you have a head on collision in a Poker run? I wonder sometimes what it takes to have accidents.This is sad to hear but at the same time it has to happen to get people to pull their head out of their asses:mad: My prayer goes out to all involved.:(

[Instigator]

and watched video shot of accident scene from a helicopter.
Both boats were large cats. One was TURBINE powered!
Ones complete port sponson is gone!
The other one is floating upside down and is missing the last few feet of it's port sponson inncluding the drive!!!
Pure speculation so far but it points to possible drive failure on one boat which would cause it to hook and possibly spear the one beside it??
One gut posted on there that he was in a spectator boat and was passed by the involved boats at high speed and within 40' of his pleasure boat!!
He said one boat was chasing another, was in spray and no way he could see what was ahead.
Not sure if he meant these were both boats involved or just one??
Very, very sad that this happened and thougths and prayers go out to family of FIVE people killed!!
The witnesses report of them passing that close though.......... a poker run with 40' boats on an inland lake, one freagin turbine powered......, LABOR DAY weekend......., no spectator boat control.......
How many more accidents like this will it take before the "Poker Run" people call it what it is????
A freagin race with no rescue people, no marked off, protected course, very limited safety requirements etc, etc!
This won't be good for our sport/hobby!
Enough people hating us already. This one may not go away like the last few have.
When a guy can go out and buy a 1/2 million dollar twin turbine cat that will run almost 200, and take to anywhere lake USA, most not smart enough to wear even vests let alone helmets!!!!
It's a freagin race people!
One happened a yr or two ago in Lake St.Claire. A guy driving a stepped Vee bottom with very little experience (from Coast Guard accident reports I read) miss judged speed entering a turn, go too close to shore, over freagin corrected, hooked/rolled the boat and killed two of his passengers! Worst part was his passengers were just two guys on the dock that asked for a ride. No vests no nothing! The driver didn't even know there names!
This is not going to be good!
Gary

[Hot Shot Merc]

Well after reading a little ore about this its clear now that the head on statement was false as usual.It was a side by side race where one hooked into the other.At any rate or reason.This $hit has to stop.It makes me sick that anybody with a fat wallet can buy these TRUE RACE BOATS FOR TRUE RACING and go out drinking and running with little to no experience.Truley amazes me:mad: The poker run here was called the HIGH ROLLER poker run.That is just fuel for these guys rediculous EGOS.:rolleyes:

[terry taylor]

How in the hell do you have a head on collision in a Poker run? I wonder sometimes what it takes to have accidents.This is sad to hear but at the same time it has to happen to get people to pull their head out of their asses:mad: My prayer goes out to all involved.:(
I feel its unfortunate and inappropriate to express such personal feelings on a open forum ,before an investigation reveals more details THANK YOU.

[sswampratt]

Sad news,below is a link to some footage of crash site.

http://cbs11tv.com/video/?cid=7

[catfish123]

I find it to be disgusting that people in here are making such ridiculous posts without knowing the facts. Five people have lost their lives in this and the main concern of some appears to be how it may effect the boaters left behind. Truly inappropriate and disgusting. My prayers to the families of those who were lost in this tragic event.

[Hot Shot Merc]

Screw you guys.The facts are that there are Five people dead.Investigate that!!!! I have pitty and compasion here as you do.I take this $hit to heart.It didnt have to happen PERIOD.No investigation will prove anything other than these guys were not at a controlled race and they were racing at very high speeds (witness facts).So before you go posting my quotes read the other post I posted were I said OK SO IT WASNT A HEAD ON.The fact is that they were racing way to close to each other and this is what happens when you race to close to each other.I hate this as much as you all do so dont jump my a$$ here.I hate that it happend too.:rolleyes:

Its called emotions to those of you that dont understand my where my comments are coming from.

[Instigator]

I find it to be disgusting that people in here are making such ridiculous posts without knowing the facts. Five people have lost their lives in this and the main concern of some appears to be how it may effect the boaters left behind. Truly inappropriate and disgusting. My prayers to the families of those who were lost in this tragic event.
what I wrote was based on pix's, videos, and eye witnes accounts!
I can't imagine what the family and firends of victims must be feeling! I raced for nine yrs and have lost many friends and hero's!
My point being that if they ran the "Poker Run" as a "Race" as it should be..... every one would learn from the experience and "forced/regulated" safety requirements.
I boated a lot in the Great Lakes and can't tell you the number of large "Offshore" boats roaring past with no vests on even at over 100!
Too many people feel "false" security in these larger boats. Problem is as with our little stuff is it only takes a mechanical failure to cause a "Catastrophic" accident.
When they "allow" these boats to run in "un" controled water, little or no safety equip...... that is not good!
What if the vicitims had been wearing helemts?? (may have in this incident, don't know yet but not sure I've ever seen a helmet used in a poker run and most are wearing ski vests which are freagin useless at speeds over 40!!) What if there was a rescue boat on scene instead of freagin spectator boats trying to help!!!
What if this 'incuident" (what ever the cause) happend while passing the eye witness (his words) specator boat and took them out??
Again, thoughts and prayers go out to victims and families! Very, very sad.

[Fast Fred]

sad to hear about the crash, some poeple in life are lucky enuff to be able to take it to the Limit, my hat is off for them.

it is to bad some would jump on the speed thing, on the boatin thing, or how much $$$$$$ one spends on thare hull, most of them would be doin the same thing if thay were able.

[Hot Shot Merc]

I also feel that if you are going to be racing hard core like this you should leave your loved ones and freinds at the dock to watch.Its allways like this.The driver takes out others with these wrecks while racing each other.Yes its a FACT that you only need two people in each of these boats maximum to race.There were two others here that should have been left at the dock when racing at speeds over 100 mph.

If you dont like what I posted then I cant help that.This hurts me too and I express my feelings and send my prayers out too.:(

[Instigator]

when these accidents happen (and they do!), no one wants to talk about it.
What do you think the freagin media is going to do with this????
Seems pretty simple to me.
Either we figure this out amongst ourselves before it's too late or we let the government and insurance companies do it for us. It will happen.
So lets all stay quiet and pretend nothing happened!
Gary

[THE HOGG]

[QUOTE=Instigator]what I wrote was based on pix's, videos, and eye witnes accounts!
I can't imagine what the family and firends of victims must be feeling! I raced for nine yrs and have lost many friends and hero's!
My point being that if they ran the "Poker Run" as a "Race" as it should be..... every one would learn from the experience and "forced/regulated" safety requirements.
I boated a lot in the Great Lakes and can't tell you the number of large "Offshore" boats roaring past with no vests on even at over 100!
Too many people feel "false" security in these larger boats. Problem is as with our little stuff is it only takes a mechanical failure to cause a "Catastrophic" accident.
When they "allow" these boats to run in "un" controled water, little or no safety equip...... that is not good!
What if the vicitims had been wearing helemts?? (may have in this incident, don't know yet but not sure I've ever seen a helmet used in a poker run and most are wearing ski vests which are freagin useless at speeds over 40!!) What if there was a rescue boat on scene instead of freagin spectator boats trying to help!!!
What if this 'incuident" (what ever the cause) happend while passing the eye witness (his words) specator boat and took them out??
Again, thoughts and prayers go out to victims and families! Very, very sad.[/QUOTE



THERE HAVE BEEN NO EYEWITNEES ACCOUNTS OF THE ACCIDENT!!( EXCEPT FOR THE LONE SURVIVOR WHO DOESNT KNOW WHAT HAPPENED) JUST ONE OF THE POKER RUN.. AS TO THE UN-CONTROLLED WATER CRAP, WE DO IT ALL THE TIME AND ORGANIZE IT HERE ON S&F!! FUNNY HOW EVERYBODY WANTS TO POINT THE FINGER. WE RUN IN UN-CONTROLLED WATERS AT HIGH RATES OF SPEED NEXT TO EACH OTHER ALL THE TIME!!!!! I GUESS WE WONT BE SEEING YOU AT THE SUWANNEE OR THE RANCH HUH?? FACT IS THAT ACCIDENTS HAPPEN! AND WHEN SOMETHING IS PUSHED TO THE LIMIT THEY HAPPEN EVEN FASTER!! WE SHOULD BE PRAYING FOR THEIR FAMILIES, NOT LOOKING FOR A WAY TO POINT A FINGER!!!!!!!!!!!!

[delawarerick]

Well said Hogg my prayers and thoughts go to the families and victims of this horrible accident. Rick

[Instigator]

THERE HAVE BEEN NO EYEWITNEES ACCOUNTS OF THE ACCIDENT!!( EXCEPT FOR THE LONE SURVIVOR WHO DOESNT KNOW WHAT HAPPENED) JUST ONE OF THE POKER RUN.. AS TO THE UN-CONTROLLED WATER CRAP, WE DO IT ALL THE TIME AND ORGANIZE IT HERE ON S&F!! FUNNY HOW EVERYBODY WANTS TO POINT THE FINGER. WE RUN IN UN-CONTROLLED WATERS AT HIGH RATES OF SPEED NEXT TO EACH OTHER ALL THE TIME!!!!! I GUESS WE WONT BE SEEING YOU AT THE SUWANNEE OR THE RANCH HUH?? FACT IS THAT ACCIDENTS HAPPEN! AND WHEN SOMETHING IS PUSHED TO THE LIMIT THEY HAPPEN EVEN FASTER!! WE SHOULD BE PRAYING FOR THEIR FAMILIES, NOT LOOKING FOR A WAY TO POINT A FINGER!!!!!!!!!!!![/QUOTE]
my post!
A guy in spectator boat watched them pass his baot at speed 40' away!
Two boats chasing each other, chasing boat could not see through lead rooster tail!
They were running in and around freagin islands in the lake for their card stops for christs sake!
We've run thwe Rumble for 6 freagin yrs w/no insident! That good enough for you??
We control water, have resuce boats on scene, require vest, helemt and kill switch for all competitive events!
The fast guys in the Poker Run wear helemts and vests every freagin year!
Not pointing a finger at anybody. It was an accident, they happen! Part of the risk and hopefully the victims all understood this.
How bout passengers?? You think they understand risk in a Poker Run is greater than in an actual race??
Let me know if I need to answer that one for you.
As far as the Ranch...., yeah you'll see me there.
You won't see me passing people @ 100MPH 40' from their boat unless it's friends of mine, they know it, and understand risk!

[terry taylor]

Screw you guys.The facts are that there are Five people dead.Investigate that!!!! I have pitty and compasion here as you do.I take this $hit to heart.It didnt have to happen PERIOD.No investigation will prove anything other than these guys were not at a controlled race and they were racing at very high speeds (witness facts).So before you go posting my quotes read the other post I posted were I said OK SO IT WASNT A HEAD ON.The fact is that they were racing way to close to each other and this is what happens when you race to close to each other.I hate this as much as you all do so dont jump my a$$ here.I hate that it happend too.:rolleyes:

Its called emotions to those of you that dont understand my where my comments are coming from.
In my opinion it is how a person expreses ones emotions on a open forum.I feel in this instance the more you say and the way you obiously say it is disrespectful to all concerned rudness serves no purpose but to leave a reflection on a person whom displays such openly. THANKS

[THE HOGG]

Your Right!! Surely They Had No Idea They Would Go Fast When They Got In That Boat!! And Who Cares About The Rumble!! As You Stated, It Is A Race.. We Are, Afterall Talking About A Pleasure Run,not A Race. But, As I Said, Your Right.




P.s., I Thought The Good Lord Decided When And Where It Was Your Time.................... Not You Or Your Safety Equipment!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! God Bless Them And Their Families..

[stokernick]

Rob,I suggest you chill out with your statements,I seem to remember photos of your Baja with passengers standing,etc.and no safety devices,etc. and ask,what would have happened if your drivetrain failed??It was a tragic accident,and accidents do happen!

[THE HOGG]

THERE HAVE BEEN NO EYEWITNEES ACCOUNTS OF THE ACCIDENT!!( EXCEPT FOR THE LONE SURVIVOR WHO DOESNT KNOW WHAT HAPPENED) JUST ONE OF THE POKER RUN.. AS TO THE UN-CONTROLLED WATER CRAP, WE DO IT ALL THE TIME AND ORGANIZE IT HERE ON S&F!! FUNNY HOW EVERYBODY WANTS TO POINT THE FINGER. WE RUN IN UN-CONTROLLED WATERS AT HIGH RATES OF SPEED NEXT TO EACH OTHER ALL THE TIME!!!!! I GUESS WE WONT BE SEEING YOU AT THE SUWANNEE OR THE RANCH HUH?? FACT IS THAT ACCIDENTS HAPPEN! AND WHEN SOMETHING IS PUSHED TO THE LIMIT THEY HAPPEN EVEN FASTER!! WE SHOULD BE PRAYING FOR THEIR FAMILIES, NOT LOOKING FOR A WAY TO POINT A FINGER!!!!!!!!!!!!
my post!
A guy in spectator boat watched them pass his baot at speed 40' away!
Two boats chasing each other, chasing boat could not see through lead rooster tail!
They were running in and around freagin islands in the lake for their card stops for christs sake!
We've run thwe Rumble for 6 freagin yrs w/no insident! That good enough for you??
We control water, have resuce boats on scene, require vest, helemt and kill switch for all competitive events!
The fast guys in the Poker Run wear helemts and vests every freagin year!
Not pointing a finger at anybody. It was an accident, they happen! Part of the risk and hopefully the victims all understood this.
How bout passengers?? You think they understand risk in a Poker Run is greater than in an actual race??
Let me know if I need to answer that one for you.
As far as the Ranch...., yeah you'll see me there.
You won't see me passing people @ 100MPH 40' from their boat unless it's friends of mine, they know it, and understand risk![/QUOTE]

AND THE ONES YOUR RUNNING NEXT TO?? AS IN THIS CASE..

[delawarerick]

What Hogg said we are all guilty of. Gary you are right at an organized event safety should be enforced but how many times on here do we see boats running into the triple digits and no helmet what the he$$ is that. Rick

[Skatin]

Here is a pic of the Nashville Catz from the Havasu Poker run. They confirmed this morning that Gordon Mineo and his wife are dead. Damn!! He was the one that organized this poker run and a good guy. I'm not sure who was riding with him yet. Hopefully not his daughter.

[6Killer]

I have no idea what really happened in this accident, I am sorry for the loss. What I have seen is this. I saw a video link posted here on S&F a few years ago of a NYC poker run on the Hudson for high rollers. It was mostly shot from a helo. LOTS of fast boats, some 150 mph+ boats, many with 4-6 people on board running side by side wfo for miles, no vests, no helmets, chicks laying/hanging on on the sun pad. WTF? We would be in jail.

6

[jphii]

It was his daughter and son in law.

[Instigator]

What Hogg said we are all guilty of. Gary you are right at an organized event safety should be enforced but how many times on here do we see boats running into the triple digits and no helmet what the he$$ is that. Rick
and one last time...
THIS WAS AN ORGANISED EVENT!
AND IT WAS A RACE!
SPECTATOR BOATS EVERYWHERE! Is it fair to risk the lives of the family out on their toon for Labor Day weekend even though they knew nothing of the run?? Lets ask them.
THEY CANNOT BE ALLOWED IN/ON COURSE!

[Instigator]

I have no idea what really happened in this accident, I am sorry for the loss. What I have seen is this. I saw a video link posted here on S&F a few years ago of a NYC poker run on the Hudson for high rollers. LOTS of fast boats, some 150 mph+ boats, many with 4-6 people on board running wfo for miles, no vests, no helmets, chicks laying/hanging on on the sun pad. WTF? We would be in jail.

6
YOU SIR!!

[Instigator]

It was his daughter and son in law.
they set foot on our boat!
Think they understood the risk???:mad: :mad: :( :(
P.S., it just hit Fox News. Get ready,here it comes!

[THE HOGG]

YOU SHOULD ATLEAST QUIT SPEWING LIES!!

IT WAS NOT A RACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

IM DONE.

[Instigator]

YOU SHOULD ATLEAST QUIT SPEWING LIES!!

IT WAS NOT A RACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

IM DONE.
They don't call it a race due to insurance and permit issues. I've done it and it changes drastically.
Point being that these guys line up and "RACE" to be first boat in.
Half these boats are faster than any of the true Offshore Race boats. But you're right, it's not a race.

[terry taylor]

YOU SHOULD ATLEAST QUIT SPEWING LIES!!

IT WAS NOT A RACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

IM DONE.
THANKS GEORGE, I LIKE GEORGE .

[Tony Montana]

5 people are dead, and to the average person, thee is no difference between what we do and the poker run people. You guys throwing stones chill out and look at the big picture here- there was a tragic loss of life, and another huge nail in high performance boating's coffin.

Can't some of you guys stop being an expert for 5 minutes??:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[1BadAction]

this is such horrible news...

as far as suwannee, RR, and the like river runs, you better get your fill of them soon.

[Hot Shot Merc]

Rob,I suggest you chill out with your statements,I seem to remember photos of your Baja with passengers standing,etc.and no safety devices,etc. and ask,what would have happened if your drivetrain failed??It was a tragic accident,and accidents do happen!First off this picture of my Baja with passengers standing and no saftey devices was taken at Lake Tarpon with a 3 inch ripple on the water.One more note smart ass.This Baja comes from the factory with drop down bolsters.That meens you can drop the seat down when running if you want to and stand up in the rough water.Perfectly normal hardware in most boats of this type.What a load crap.Dude,,My Baja has a top sped of 55 mph with three people coolers and a full tank of fuel.How in the hell is that a dangerous situation that needs to be compaired to this tragidy that happend in Texas???You guys are way out there.I am just glad that more people cant afford these big boats.There getting to be like jet skis out there.:mad:

Yall can lynch me if ya feel your holy enough to do so.I am over this crap:mad:

[Fast Fred]

Cnn did say it was "In competion", not that what thay say is worth any thing.

all of that means nothing, some HiPo boaters are lost, that Sucks.

[Scott Colman]

testing

[Hot Shot Merc]

You guys only like to quote the things you think arent propper but the fact that my heart is in this high perf boating too and right now my heart is broken.I dont need you guys to tell me how to react.I feel for these guys and their familys too you know.Excuse me for not sugar coating it enough for your liking.In case you guys didnt read my first post here it is again.My prayers go out to all involved here.:(

[Scott Colman]

don't want to butt into all the love here but of course I will, my wife calls me butt head (probably right) so take this for what it is worth. I think at the end of the day it is the captains ultimate responsibility. I have been to quite a few of these events and the promoters understand the risk and liability and usually try to insure for mishaps. At all the events I have been to the captains meeting really promotes "no drinking till your on the dock" and "this is not a race". At all of the events I have also seen that the pace boat is passed up right out of the gates and side races develop. We ALL like to race a buddy and **** happens. It is our jobs as captains to maintain a safe enviornment for our passengers and other boats. Accidents do happen but are most of the time exagerated by a mis-judgement of the captain. These accidents are going to drive the cost of insurance through the roof or become unavailable and communities and law enforcement will impose speed limits on all significant waterways. For the mean time, let's blame the promoters, the rich people, and boat and engine builders. Oh yeah let's blame spoons for making Oprah fat.

[Hot Shot Merc]

Well said.I wish I could be that diplomatic.:D

[Scott Colman]

You have to be p.c. in my house or live in the dog house.:p

[X-Rated30]

Dude,,My Baja has a top sped of 55 mph with three people coolers and a full tank of fuel.How in the hell is that a dangerous situation that needs to be compaired to this tragidy that happend in Texas???Because either one of the boats involved in the accident are safer and more stable at 100 than your Baja at 55. With every letter you type you betray your ignorance just a little more.:cool:

[Hot Shot Merc]

Xrated go F#%k yourself!!!!! The fact that these boats were going over 100 mph side by side is what makes it different than mine alone at around 47 mph.They crashed one into the other PERIOD.I was running alone not racing.I could have thrown the anchor out or lost a prop or out drive and nothing would have happend.Eisntien.Do you see the difference now?Jerk off.Look who looks dumb now!

The difference in who was at more danger my boat that day or these two that crashed.No comparison at all:rolleyes:

This is not about the boats stability at hand here.Its what happens when there is a problem with the other boat at those dagerous speeds.Yes 100 mph is more dangerous when you crash than 47 mph.

[Frank Molé]

Xrated go F#%k yourself!!!!! The fact that these boats were going over 100 mph side by side is what makes it different than mine alone at around 47 mph.They crashed one into the other PERIOD.I was running alone not racing.I could have thrown the anchor out or lost a prop or out drive and nothing would have happend.Eisntien.Do you see the difference now?Jerk off.Look who looks dumb now!

The difference in who was at more danger my boat that day or these two that crashed.No comparison at all:rolleyes:
go get em rob:eek:

[Hot Shot Merc]

Frank.I wish it wasnt this way.I have compassion for the dead and injured here.It hate that this happend.I get a little more sensative then some others and I gotta be bashed.You know we are all guilty of some reckless driving in our boats.Yes all of us.I have and wont deny it.I just get touched a little differently than others by this kind of thing.Been high perf boating since a child and so beleive me when I say it hurts me too to read these things happening.

[Skatin]

What the hell is wrong with ya'll? You take a tragedy like this and turn it in to an arguement. Bet ya'll would argue with god over the color of the sky. Why don't we just agree to disagree. When you get down to it does it really matter what anyone else thinks. NO! What happened is sad we all agree to that no matter who's fault it is.

[terry taylor]

Well said.I wish I could be that diplomatic.:D
Your wish can come true, you have identified it, we all have the ability to make even the smallest adjustments. I can tell you the personal aspect is so fulfilling and lasting. thanks.

[The Bilge Idiot]

Jeez, I am assuming this was the same "Flash" Gordon Mineo that used to race funny cars, Damn nice guy, what a shame:(



http://www.70sfunnycars.com/Photos/9Flash.JPG

[Skatin]

Jeez, I am asuming this was the same "Flash" Gordon Mineo that used to race funny cars, Damn nice guy, what a shame:(



http://www.70sfunnycars.com/Photos/9Flash.JPG



yep thats him. www.flashgordonracing.com

[Ron V]

"Poker" runs....

"Fishing" tournaments....

"Charity" rides....

Do you think the media would have as much of a field day if this happened in an organized race with full rescue personnel in a controlled area? Hell no! Might not have even made the news. Like it or not, the general public, government, and media are inherently biased against anything high performance. If a teenager dies of a broken neck in a high school football game, it's no problem. It's just a horrible accident and everyone should still be able to play football because God forbid we take that away from America. If he dies in a hot boat wreck, then everyone who drives fast boats is evil and should be forced to stop driving their boats and take up bird watching.

Accidents do happen, and it sounds like this was nothing but purely a horrible accident. But there are certain situations that are breeding grounds for accidents. Rob's execution and timing might not have been 100%, and it may not totally apply to this particular incident, but someday we'll all realize he's right. Hopefully we realize it before the Hillary Clintons of the world do.

Prayers to all involved. Regardless of fault and/or mechanical failure, it's not like anyone set out to have this happen.

This is part of the reason I don't really care to go much faster than I am now. Even at 70, you're screwed if something breaks.

[The Big Al]

http://www.flashgordonracing.com/images/Boat9-lg.jpg

[The Bilge Idiot]

yep thats him. www.flashgordonracing.com (http://www.flashgordonracing.com)
Well then here is my 2 cents- Gordon was no stranger as far as appropriate safety precautions were concerned, I can't imagine him taking any unnecessary chances with just himself at risk, let alone putting his family and friends in harms way. Therefore I believe this tragic accident was just that, a tragic accident.

My prayers go out to everyone involved.

~Bilge

[Hot Shot Merc]

I just got this from another site.Man this sucks:(

...Just a quick post to keep everyone up to date. I just left the hospital where Bruce is in ICU. He just got out of surgery to put a tube in each lung to drain them and help them inflate. Both lungs collapsed, probably due to the numerous broken ribs puncturing them. His is able to breathe on his own at this point with the help of oxygen. Hopefully they will not have to put him on a vent. His head and face are beat up pretty bad. He suffered numerous bad cuts,lacerations, and broken bones. We are still waiting for the results of the cat scan of his head, but at this point it looks pretty good. He was heavily sedated but was able to talk to me and ask and answer questions. He is very concerned about the well being of everyone involved. He does not really know what happened. He is going to need a lot of time and even more support to recover. Please pray for a complete and speedy recovery from both the accident and for the loss of his wife, friends and fellow boaters. Bruce is the only surviver and has got a very long road to recovery.
I was not at the scene but the general concensus is that something failed on Flash Gordons boat, causing it to make a sharp left turn, directly into the path of the oncoming boat of Bruce and Myra Gibson(The Nashville Catz).It appears that it was an unavoidable and tragic ACCIDENT. Once again, I was not at the scene.
We will stay here as long as it takes. If anyone needs us, we can be reached at 504-416-3607 or youngperformance@comcast.net. Please only call if nessesary. Thank you all for your support and prayers, they will need every bit of it. Eddie

[The Big Al]

I Deleted The Large Pic, If Someone Want It Just Let Me Know And I Will E-mail Too You.

Thanks Al

smithkart@aol.com

[200VEGAS]

Its Sad This Happened And A Reminder For All Of Us Of How Dangerous This All Is. I Had The Pleasere Of Meeting A Real Race Boat Driver. He Invited Me To Watch Him Test At Lake X.i Ran The Lift, I Brought Them The Big Props Off The Wall, And Then Got To Listen In On The Radio As They Tested. And I Got To See The Then New Hydrostream Vegas They Are Memories I Will Alwys Cherish. The Next Year He Boat A New Boat.he Had Invited Me To Help Pit Crew But I Couldnt {didnt}work That Out Thinking There Would Always Be A Next Season. Testing For First Race Of The Next Season , He Was Killed In The Boat. May We All Learn Something From This Tradgedy. I Love My Boat And Have A Hard Time Controling My Exitement Sometimes. I For One Will Try To Be A Little More Careful And Respectful. Thanks To All That Have Hung It Out And Defined The Edge So The Rest Of Us Can Try To See It. WE WILL Miss You

[Instigator]

:( :( :( five people! So sad.
Maybe one thing to take away from this is that if this can happen to somebody with this kind of rig and the money to make things as close to perfect as possible, and experience.......look how easy the same thing can happen to our tinker toys!!
Safety First!
Unbelievable !

[200VEGAS]

aamen

[X-Rated30]

This is sad to hear but at the same time it has to happen to get people to pull their head out of their asses:mad: My Dude - just because you have alot of posts doesn't mean you aren't a knob. This is one of the most insensitive posts I have ever seen and on top of that it was made in response to the deaths of five people. I think you are the one with his head in his ass.

You started out saying it was a head on. Then you say they were running side by side. You don't know how far apart they were or what caused the accident. You also say in one post they were racing which is obviously not accurate -- the wreck occurred at about 100mph according to all reports. Flash was a 160 mph boat and I am sure Nashville Catz was close to that. You don't know what safety equipment they had or if any of it would have done any good. You are just shooting off your mouth.

Flash organized poker runs - about 5 per year. Go back and count the number of accidents at his runs, multiply by the number of boats involved, and then try to compare it to your Rumble.

Last year on Lake Ouachita, I ran for about 15 miles with Flash at the poker run. The first 10 or so, it was just him and me out front. He never got closer than 100 yards off my starboard, and later, if anyone got too close on his starboard, he manuvered to give more room. I have run with him at other runs as well. He was a polite boater and drove with his head, not his ego. I met him and his wife earlier this year, and they were good folks.

You say you wish you could be more diplomatic -- what's stopping you? My suggestion would be for you to speak only of what you know about which doesn't seem to be offshores.

[The Big Al]

Dude - just because you have alot of posts doesn't mean you aren't a knob. This is one of the most insensitive posts I have ever seen and on top of that it was made in response to the deaths of five people. I think you are the one with his head in his ass.

You started out saying it was a head on. Then you say they were running side by side. You don't know how far apart they were or what caused the accident. You also say in one post they were racing which is obviously not accurate -- the wreck occurred at about 100mph according to all reports. Flash was a 160 mph boat and I am sure Nashville Catz was close to that. You don't know what safety equipment they had or if any of it would have done any good. You are just shooting off your mouth.

Flash organized poker runs - about 5 per year. Go back and count the number of accidents at his runs, multiply by the number of boats involved, and then try to compare it to your Rumble.
.

Needed saying!!!!!!!

Thanks

Rummor!!! Rummor!!!
one of the boats ( the turbin iliminator) had a mechanical falure maybe, but made an abrupt turn in to the path of the other.

[10.5' Tunnel]

Its a damn tragedy no matter what the cause, or if it could have been avoided. Thoughts go out to the family members:(

[Hot Shot Merc]

Dude - just because you have alot of posts doesn't mean you aren't a knob. This is one of the most insensitive posts I have ever seen and on top of that it was made in response to the deaths of five people. I think you are the one with his head in his ass.

You started out saying it was a head on. Then you say they were running side by side. You don't know how far apart they were or what caused the accident. You also say in one post they were racing which is obviously not accurate -- the wreck occurred at about 100mph according to all reports. Flash was a 160 mph boat and I am sure Nashville Catz was close to that. You don't know what safety equipment they had or if any of it would have done any good. You are just shooting off your mouth.

Flash organized poker runs - about 5 per year. Go back and count the number of accidents at his runs, multiply by the number of boats involved, and then try to compare it to your Rumble.

Last year on Lake Ouachita, I ran for about 15 miles with Flash at the poker run. The first 10 or so, it was just him and me out front. He never got closer than 100 yards off my starboard, and later, if anyone got too close on his starboard, he manuvered to give more room. I have run with him at other runs as well. He was a polite boater and drove with his head, not his ego. I met him and his wife earlier this year, and they were good folks.

You say you wish you could be more diplomatic -- what's stopping you? My suggestion would be for you to speak only of what you know about which doesn't seem to be offshores.Post count?Grow up man!Man I still say Go F#$k YOURSELF.Ok so they go 160 mph.That just makes it more the reason to be carfefull when high perf boating.I read that on other forums that they were traveling in exsess of 100 mph.People who were ther said this.Are you telling me that its OK to take people that fast as passengers?I hope not.
My point that it has to happen is ment to be in that others might learn something here like maybe being more carefull when boating themselves.My post werent made in the hopes to upset anybody.They came from the heart.If you fail to see what I am trying to say then thats your problem.I've exspressed my feelings of sorrow and that my prayers go out.I dont have to say it again.Now F$^K off:mad:

[150aintenuff]

easy rob.. calm down... a crash at any speed in a boat is tragic, letalone at a organized run or event.. insurance rates just went up that much more. and 2 very nice hulls and 6 people and their families will be forever effected by this tragic event.

[Hot Shot Merc]

??? .I think its tragic too.I just dont need chowderheads giving me greif for being who I am and thats a guy who hates to read about these things as much or more than the next guy.I have lost freinds to boating accidents too so yes I can speak in that regaurd.

[150aintenuff]

never said you couldnt... but there is no reason to start an arguement.. that all i was saying.. how about finding more updated info, and possible other boat video that may possibly show at least a little bit of the run or chase that unded up with the tragic result.. or perhaps an account of if someone heard something go bang or something to cause such an accident.. obviously SOMETHING broke, wether it be engine, drive, steering, hull. who knows... hopefulls sometime this week someone will be able to tell us what exactially caused the boats to collide.

[Hot Shot Merc]

never said you couldnt... but there is no reason to start an arguement.Sorry but I dont see where I was trying to start an arguement.That was never my intention.Nor was it my intention to disrespect anybody.I guess I'm just a little more intense than others with my passion for high perf boating.

I would love to know more about what actualy happend too.
I did read on another site a post that got bashed that these boats were way to big for that size lake and especialy on a holiday weekend.This person spoke about how one of the boats involved in this accident buzzed by him and his family in their boat at a high speed and was actualy sprayed with water from the rooster tail.He said he suspected something bad could happen that day.This person got slammed for posting this.Its a sad but true example of what does happens.Not saying anybody inparticular is at fault here but there is a question in some peoples minds that boat on that lake that something was bound to happen.Again those involved here and their familys will be in my prayers.

[X-Rated30]

...Grow up man!Man I still say Go F#$k YOURSELF....Now F$^K off:mad:Nice start on that diplomacy thing. Knob.:rolleyes:

BTW - Your ignorance keeps rearing its ugly head. The poster that said the boats went by him didn't say he was sprayed by the roostertail -- He said that Flash's boat was being hit by the spray from boats in front of it. If I am wrong, post a link, but I think I read that post, and you are clearly wrong (again) about what it said.:rolleyes:

Again, on that diplomacy thing, better to say nothing and be thought an idiot than open your mouth and remove all doubt.:cool:

[Hot Shot Merc]

Ok your right I read it too fast.It wasnt them that got sprayed.The fact is that it wasnt a safe place to be yesterday.It appears it was the Flash Gordon boat that came within 40 feet of this person.Not what I consider a safe operation of high perf boat on a public waterway on a holiday weekend ta boot.Here is the quote.............................


Originally Posted by tee4texas
DaveP - a couple of suggestions

even with the size of Texoma, what I experienced today was not reasonable even for a lake of this size in terms of the number of boats and the speed at which they were going. I saw the flash gordon boat as it came within 40 feet of us (after we had moved out of the way) and it was taking such a spray from the boat(s) in front of it, I dont know how they could see adequately to make any kind of evasive manuever if needed. Its one thing for participants to run into each other, its another to involve innocent victims. Point being, these are offshore racing boats IMO and I doubt there are freshwater lakes which can safely handle the speed at which they are designed to be operated - suggestion - limit them to offshore or impose speed limits or pace boats as you mentioned.

#2 - this is a holiday weekend and this is one of the busiest holidays I have seen on Texoma in years. The wide variety of boaters range from pontoon boats with families, skiers, fisherman, kayakers, PWC's, cruisers and when you put go-fast boats in the middle of this, the potential for a disaster is high and almost inevitable IMO. Thank God that no non-participants were injured or killed - not to make light of thse who were by any means.

A serious re-think of the use of these boats and these events is necessary and I am glad to see that some of your own are questioning these events and searching for solutions. Thanks and again........God bless all involved..................................


I have said all I am going to say here
Now go away !!!!

[Tony Montana]

I remember when some folks from another forum were commenting on hanks flip, the organization of the event, the skill of the drivers, safety gear, etc. Kinda pissed me off since I knew they had no idea what they were taking about but just had to butt in with their way overvalued $.02

I wonder if they are thinking the same thing right now? This is truly a sad day for boating and for the families of those who lost loved ones. Can't we leave the peanut gallery commentary alone and get back to the big picture?

My deepest respect and condolences for those who lost loved ones last weekend,

TM

[The Bilge Idiot]

I remember when some folks from another forum were commenting on hanks flip, the organization of the event, the skill of the drivers, safety gear, etc. Kinda pissed me off since I knew they had no idea what they were taking about but just had to butt in with their way overvalued $.02

I wonder if they are thinking the same thing right now? This is truly a sad day for boating and for the families of those who lost loved ones. Can't we leave the peanut gallery commentary alone and get back to the big picture?

My deepest respect and condolences for those who lost loved ones last weekend,

TMAmen, Brother

[150aintenuff]

this is PRECISILY why my rally is NEXT WEEKEND!!!!!! to many boats and to much risk to do a big highspeed run at high rates of speed on ANY holiday... 36-40ft may be a big boat in a small pond but if it was anyother weekend they probably wiould have been fine and had plenty of room to spread out and not have to fight the other traffic, perhaps the fact that flash got so close and went to do an evasive manuver the boat didnt rewspond till later and that is when things went south, ive had that happen in my stream, go to turn and it slowly moves untill the throttle is reapplied everso slightly and then whamo... instant half spin. at those speeds one error like gettig to close and trying to move over while throttling back becomes tough because as most people know there isnt enough rudder to steer when no power is applied in the direction of the turn.. it gets lazy and then when throttle is reapplied if the wheel isnt perfect then a spin or hook can occur... is that totally possible...

[SERIOUS]

Very Sad Accident

[packinair]

Grow up man!Man I still say Go F#$k YOURSELF.I dont have to say it again.Now F$^K off:mad:

YOUR A CLASS ACT


This $hit has to stop.It makes me sick that anybody with a fat wallet can buy these TRUE RACE BOATS FOR TRUE RACING and go out drinking and running with little to no experience.Truley amazes me:mad: The poker run here was called the HIGH ROLLER poker run.That is just fuel for these guys rediculous EGOS.:rolleyes:

It was a POKER RUN, NOT a race.. as for the rest is just to moronic to reply to


.Screw you guys.It didnt have to happen PERIODSo before you go posting my quotes read the other post I posted were I said OK SO IT WASNT A HEAD ON.The fact is that they were racing way to close to each other and this is what happens when you race to close to each other.I hate this as much as you all do so dont jump my a$$ here.I hate that it happend too.:rolleyes:

Its called emotions to those of you that dont understand my where my comments are coming from.

you do not have the FACTS, the FACT is you are way off base



I also feel that if you are going to be racing hard core like this you should leave your loved ones and freinds at the dock to watch.Its allways like this.The driver takes out others with these wrecks while racing each other.Yes its a FACT that you only need two people in each of these boats maximum to race.There were two others here that should have been left at the dock when racing at speeds over 100 mph.

If you dont like what I posted then I cant help that.This hurts me too and I express my feelings and send my prayers out too.:(

IT WAS NOT A RACE, again you have no clue, however ,you must have a great amount of time in the offshore, poker run, and racing to have such an educated opinion


You guys are way out there.I am just glad that more people cant afford these big boats.There getting to be like jet skis out there.:mad: :

A lot more can afford a 10K 100+mph SOB, maybe that is where the focus should be shifted to?, again you must have a great amount of time in the offshore, poker run, and racing to have such an educated opinion


Well said.I wish I could be that diplomatic.:

you have far to much class for that


Xrated go F#%k yourself!!!!! Jerk off.
Look who looks dumb now!
.

yet another post filled with fact,tact and class



??? .I think its tragic too.I just dont need chowderheads giving me greif for being who I am and thats a guy who hates to read about these things as much or more than the next guy.I have lost freinds to boating accidents too so yes I can speak in that regaurd.

I agree, your posts are full of fact and you are prefect


I'm just a little more intense than others with my passion for high perf boating..:

then stop slamming it, but then again you must have a great amount of time in the offshore, poker run, and racing to have such an educated opinion


I would love to know more about what actualy happend too.
.

thought you knew the facts, you must know for sure based on all your posts you clain FACT in


Ok your right I read it too fast.It wasnt them that got sprayed.The fact is that it wasnt a safe place to be yesterday.
Now go away !!!!

again you have no clue,you must have a great amount of time in the offshore, poker run, and racing to have such an educated opinion

[Scream And Fly]

That is very sad news, and my condolences and prayers go out to those families. Let's not lose sight of the fact that five people lost their lives here.

Everyone, some of the posts on this thread are just over the top. We can all make our points without going to extremes, can't we?

I'm going to lock this one for now.

Greg