Missouri Woman Dies in Boating Accident at Lake of the Ozarks

A Missouri woman has died in a boating accident that occurred at Lake of the Ozarks early Saturday morning in Camden County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that a northwest 1995 Sea Ray, driven by 52-year-old John D. Bennett of New Haven, struck the port side of a southbound 2005 Formula, driven by 42-year-old Scott M. Comia of O'Fallon at 12:02 a.m. at the 18-mile marker of the main channel.

As a result, 42-year-old Dawn M. Steinkuehler of High Ridge, was pronounced dead at the scene at 1:17 a.m. by Medical Examiner D. Ballard.

Four others were injured, including 43-year-old Brad W. Steinkuehler of High Ridge (serious), 43-year-old Jason A. Ashby of Eureka (minor), 42-year-old Scott M. Comia of O'Fallon (minor) and a 13-year-old female of High Ridge (serious).

Ashby was taken by MSHP to Lake Regional Hospital, Comia was taken by ambulance to Lake Regional, while Brad Steinkuehler and the juvenile were both flown to University Hospital by air ambulance.

The body of Dawn Steinkuehler was taken to Howe Funeral Home.

A total of seven Troopers were on scene.

Bennett was later arrested at 1:06 a.m. and charged with boating while intoxicated with serious physical injury, boating while intoxicated resulting in a death, boating while intoxicated with physical injury, and careless and imprudent operation of a vessel.

He was taken to the Camden County Jail on a 24-hour hold.