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 KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)
· 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 The Midland
For Midland residents who enjoy water activities at nearby lakes, the accident at Patoka Lake serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that can occur even with proper precautions. The fact that a 5-year-old boy was able to survive such a severe injury is a testament to the quick thinking and actions of his father and first responders. As the summer months continue, it's crucial for families in the Midland area to be aware of the risks associated with boating and water sports, and to take necessary safety measures to prevent similar accidents. The Pace family's experience highlights the importance of being prepared for emergencies and having the right training and equipment to respond effectively. As the community comes together to support the Pace family through fundraisers and donations, it's also an opportunity for local residents to reflect on their own water safety practices and take steps to ensure a safe and enjoyable summer for all.
About this story
Original reporting by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . The Midland 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 KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) ·
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 KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) and curated for The Midland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Emma Beck , Jill Lyman, Jordan Gartner at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). To learn more about how The Midland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Midland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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