safety
Boy, 5, miraculously survives being hit by boat propeller while at lake with family, loved ones say
By Emma Beck , Jill Lyman, Jordan Gartner at KGNS — Sitewide
· July 16, 2026
· 2 min read
NEWBURGH, Ind. (WFIE/Gray News) - A young boy remains at the hospital more than a week after being injured in a boating accident.Jentry Pace, 5, was with his family at Patoka Lake on July 5 when a boat’s propeller hit him. The boy’s father, John Pace, pulled Jentry from the water and brought him ...
Key takeaway Jentry Pace, 5, was with his family at Patoka Lake on July 5 when a boat’s propeller hit him.
Why this matters in Laredo News
The harrowing incident at Patoka Lake serves as a stark reminder for Laredo families who enjoy water activities to exercise extreme caution when near boats and propellers. While the accident occurred in Indiana, the risks associated with boating and water recreation are universal. As the Pace family navigates their son's long recovery, Laredo residents can draw valuable lessons from this close call. The swift response of first responders, including Jentry's father, a firefighter, underscores the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Locally, residents can take advantage of water safety courses and boating education programs to minimize the risk of similar accidents. Furthermore, the outpouring of support for the Pace family, including fundraisers and donation drives, demonstrates the power of community in times of need, a sentiment that resonates deeply in Laredo, where community ties are strong.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . Laredo News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? NEWBURGH, Ind. (WFIE/Gray News) - A young boy remains at the hospital more than a week after being injured in a boating accident.Jentry Pace, 5, was with his family at Patoka Lake on July 5 when a boat’s propeller hit him. The boy’s father, John Pace, pulled Jentry from the water and brought him ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 16, 2026 by KGNS — Sitewide and curated for Laredo News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Emma Beck , Jill Lyman, Jordan Gartner at KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how Laredo News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Laredo News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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