Four Injured in Kanawha River Boating Accident, One Passenger Still in ICU

Kanawha County, WV – Four people were injured on Sunday night when a recreational boat crashed into a parked barge near Chelyan, West Virginia.

All four occupants of the recreational boat suffered trauma to the head and body, according to a Division of Natural Resources spokesperson.

Steven A. Garrison, 22, of Winfrede, WV, was driving the boat when it slammed into a barge parked by the Quincy Coal Dock. Metro 911 dispatchers in Kanawha County, West Virginia say the boat crash happened at the 73 mile marker along the Kanawha River close to Chesapeake. 

The cause of the boat crash is still unknown.  DNR officer Chuck Holloran is investigating. 

Dispatchers say one of the four injured was not responsive when emergency responders arrived on the scene.

Garrison was treated and released by CAMC.   Nicole M. Garrison, of Winfrede, and Mary F. Snodgrass, of Galleger, were passengers on the boat.  They were also treated and released by CAMC.

Blake E. Snodgrass, of Gallager, was the other passenger on the boat.  He remains in intensive care, according to a CAMC spokesperson. 

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If you’ve been injured in a boating accident or other incident involving negligence, we invite you to call one of our experienced personal injury lawyers for a free consultation.  There’s never a fee until we recover money for you. Our toll free number is 1-877-943-WEST (1-877-943-9378).

Brooks West, Esq.

Brooks West is a personal injury lawyer, founder, and President of West Law Firm. He has been helping those wrongfully injured in West Virginia for almost two decades. The results and service he provides his clients have earned him membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Brooks is most proud of the many 5-star reviews he has received from satisfied clients.