Fund raiser for John Gephardt who was killed Christmast day in his new STV

**LongShot** · 12-31-2019, 08:01 AM

Condolences to all his family and friends.

**Instigator** · 12-31-2019, 09:07 AM

Do we know what happened?

Mechanical failure?
Appears he hit that tree @ WFO!

You would think even a hook (broken steering, threw a blade, motor seizure etc) stuck throttle would have sent him in sideways and/or rolled the boat at that speed.

Only good is it had to have happened fast.

I went on line last night and read everything I could find.

Prayers sent to all effected.

And a reminder to us of what we do.....

**rjdubiel** · 12-31-2019, 09:09 AM

Jason Wolf posted the whole story on Facebook. He had permission from the family so search there. Prayers for family and friends.

**Hippie459MN** · 12-31-2019, 09:16 AM

Originally Posted by Instigator

Do we know what happened?

You can read the entire story that Jason posted on his Facebook page here - https://www.facebook.com/permalink.p...00006670816966

Again, my thoughts and prayers are with Jason, his kids, and Johns entire family and friends.

**Mrzip** · 12-31-2019, 10:45 AM

Lord Have Mercy.

**JUPITER PULSARE** · 12-31-2019, 11:02 AM

Originally Posted by Instigator

Do we know what happened?

Mechanical failure?
Appears he hit that tree @ WFO!

You would think even a hook (broken steering, threw a blade, motor seizure etc) stuck throttle would have sent him in sideways and/or rolled the boat at that speed.

Only good is it had to have happened fast.

I went on line last night and read everything I could find.

Prayers sent to all effected.

And a reminder to us of what we do.....

According to Jason Wolf, he caught an unsuspected gust a wind at 120+. The nose lifted and when it came down the boat hooked hard, hit the bank into a tree. John was thrown from the boat, hit another tree and landed in the water. Jason pulled him ashore but there was nothing that could be done. John was wearing his lifeline jacket but his injury were massive.

**kellytheaker** · 12-31-2019, 11:07 AM

R.I.P John - Thoughts and prayers to you and your family .
Thanks Jason for your forward thinking- CPR and calling 911 - doing your best on the scene to assist your best friend . You made all the right decisions and did the best job possible . You made a differance . We all wish to have solid friends such as yourself . Well done .

**Baja170** · 12-31-2019, 11:17 AM

WOW! Very sorry to see a fellow boater end up like this, but it would be the way I want to go. Prayers for everyone involved. Freak accidents can and do happen. God speed John.

**bbezok** · 12-31-2019, 01:20 PM

Sincere condolences to his family and friends, I'm sure he will be missed.

**Instigator** · 12-31-2019, 02:35 PM

Very, very scary.

**vtboy** · 12-31-2019, 05:48 PM

RIP JOHN THOUGHTS and PRAYERS

**HammerMX** · 12-31-2019, 06:42 PM

God Speed brother John.

Jason and his sons witnessed something we all have nightmares about. Jason, thank you for being such a great friend to John. Please know this to shall pass.

Thoughts and prayers to all who are effected by this tragedy.

**vnemous** · 12-31-2019, 08:23 PM

Horrible thing to happen. Could be anyone of us. Prayers to his family from mine. Donation made in Megans name.

**FUJIMO** · 12-31-2019, 09:57 PM

...I no longer want to go fast in this type of boat. Rest in peace John.

**CUDA** · 12-31-2019, 11:10 PM

I was at the ODBA meeting discussing the new classes that DSRA had instituted

We were talking about adding no set weight anything goes but nitrous class

Tommy Dunn was really upset because of safety concerns

The reason it worked is they went from 1320 to a 800 foot race course, that kept the top speeds down

When you get over 115 mph you are entering a new zone, especially if you are light

Please be careful.