Hays Post
Jun 06, 2021

Kan. woman, 2 children dead after boating accident

Posted Jun 06, 2021 9:00 PM
KDWPT law enforcement is in charge of the investigation-photo courtesy WIBW TV
KDWPT law enforcement is in charge of the investigation-photo courtesy WIBW TV

COFFEY COUNTY —Authorities are investigating a boating accident that left a Kansas woman and two children dead Saturday night in Coffey County.

Just after 6:30p.m. Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) game wardens, the Water Rescue Division of the Coffey County Fire District #1, Coffey County Sheriff’s Office, and Burlington Police Department responded to a report of a boat accident on the Neosho River in the area of the Burlington City Dam, according to the Coffey County Sheriff's office.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a family of two adults and two children were boating on the river. As the boat approached the low-head dam, it stalled in rapid, aerated water, at which point the operator lost control of the vessel and all occupants were ejected.

One adult male, identified as Wesley Sharp of Shawnee, was rescued from the scene and transported to Burlington Hospital and was reported in stable condition on Sunday afternoon.

One adult female, identified as Maribel Moran, and the couple’s two children, ages 3 and 5, were recovered unresponsive at the scene and transported to Burlington Hospital where they were later pronounced deceased.

KDWPT law enforcement is in charge of the investigation.