Boater Who Fell in Ohio River Identified

Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at 9:50 AM

The Gallatin County Sheriff's Office released details about the accident on Tuesday afternoon.

(Gallatin County, Ky.) – An Ohio man has been identified as the victim of a fatal boating accident.

It was Monday around 2:50 a.m. when emergency response units were dispatched for a waterway emergency near 70 Paint Lick Road. Near mile marker 521 on the Ohio River, it was reported a male fell off a boat and never resurfaced.

Bystanders attempted a rescue but were unsuccessful.

The victim’s body was recovered by search teams on Tuesday afternoon. The victim was later identified as Aaron Kime, 48.

His family prepared a written statement, which was released by the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office:

“Aaron passed away in a boating accident doing what he loved the most, spending time with his family and friends on the beautiful water. Aaron and several friends and family took a late-night boat cruise to enjoy the stars and calm water. Aaron was safely sitting when he collapsed and fell into the water. His loved ones immediately took action but were sadly unable to rescue him,” reads an excerpt from the statement.

Responding agencies included Gallatin County Fire & Rescue, Gallatin County EMS, Gallatin County EMA, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Warsaw Police, Jeff-Craig Fire, Kentucky DNR, Indiana DNR, Boone County EMA, Boone County Water Rescue and Grant County EMA and K9.