CLEAR LAKE, Iowa — A quiet summer morning on one of Iowa’s busiest lakes turned tragic Thursday after two boats collided, leaving one man dead and another person injured.
Emergency responders were called at approximately 8:30 a.m. to the west end of Clear Lake in the area known locally as Little Lake after reports that two boats had crashed.
According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the man who died was operating a fishing boat at the time of the collision. A passenger aboard the same boat suffered injuries and was transported to MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center for treatment.
Authorities said the occupants of the second boat were not injured.
Investigators have ruled out alcohol as a contributing factor, but the cause of the collision remains under investigation by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
The response included DNR conservation officers, the Ventura Fire Department, Clear Lake Fire Department, Clear Lake Police Department, and the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office.
The identity of the man who died has not yet been released pending notification of family members.
The investigation remains active, and additional details are expected to be released as they become available.
This tragedy comes during one of the busiest periods of Iowa’s boating season, when Clear Lake draws thousands of anglers, recreational boaters and visitors each week. Authorities routinely remind boaters to maintain safe speeds, remain alert for other watercraft, and wear properly fitted life jackets while on the water.
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