11-Year-Old Girl Struck and Killed by Boat Propeller on Florida Lake

An 11-year-old girl was killed after being hit by a boat propeller on a Florida lake last weekend, authorities said. 

In a statement shared with PEOPLE on Tuesday, Nov. 5, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said its officers responded to a report of a boating accident at Lake Osborne in Palm Beach County, on Saturday, Nov. 2. 

The FWC added that, based on preliminary information, a 20-foot pontoon boat was carrying  two adults and three juveniles when the bow of the vessel suddenly dropped. 

One of the juveniles, identified as Brooke Mejeur, 11, was ejected from the vessel and thrown into the water where she was struck by a propeller, the FWC confirmed.

“The victim was recovered from the water and transported to the shore. Sadly, Brooke Mejeur died from her injuries,” read the FWC's statement. 

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“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Brooke Mejeur during this incredibly difficult time," the commission added.

Luke Price, a boater, told local NBC affiliate WPTV that he had seen boating mishaps occur in the area before.

"We’ve been out in the water since we were born so obviously, we can get to the point where we're too comfortable and that's not what you want out here," said Price, who described Saturday’s incident as tragic. "Anything can happen, always take precautions."

The FWC said that an investigation into the incident is ongoing and no additional information is available at the present time. 

According to the FWC, Lake Osborne consists of 356 acres of water and is surrounded by John Prince Park, which has a boat ramp and fishing dock.