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 WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· 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 Nashville
The harrowing incident at Patoka Lake serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can lurk in recreational water activities, a concern that resonates deeply in the Nashville community where many residents enjoy water sports on nearby lakes and rivers. As the Pace family navigates the long and challenging road to recovery, their story underscores the critical importance of swift and effective emergency response. The fact that John Pace, a captain with the Ohio Township Fire Department, was able to apply a tourniquet and get his son to shore quickly likely played a significant role in saving Jentry's life. This incident may prompt local authorities to review and reinforce water safety protocols and emergency response plans, ensuring that residents and visitors to Nashville's waterways are adequately protected. The outpouring of support for the Pace family, including fundraisers and donation drives, demonstrates the strong sense of community that exists in the Nashville area.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville 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 WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
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 WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Emma Beck , Jill Lyman, Jordan Gartner at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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