Boater blinded by the sun collides with tree in fatal crash, Missouri officials say

A 46-year-old boater blinded by the sun didn’t see a tree in his path along the water before he struck it, authorities in Missouri say.

Troopers with Missouri State Highway Patrol responded to the boat crash in the Gasconade River at 7:08 p.m. local time Saturday, July 23, according to a crash report.

The boat driver, identified as Melvin Gibson, was pronounced dead at 8 p.m., officials said.

Officials say the Owensville man had been driving a 1988 Shoal Runner boat on the river in Osage County when he hit the tree about 5 miles down from the US 50 bridge. The sun was setting at the time of the fatal collision.

“Melvin Gibson we are sure going to miss you,” a friend wrote on Facebook. “These trips and camping was the best time. Prayers are with your family and friends.”

Osage County, in central Missouri, is about 115 miles southwest of St. Louis.

This story was originally published July 26, 2022 at 9:34 AM with the headline "Boater blinded by the sun collides with tree in fatal crash, Missouri officials say."