I agree that if I were to be ejected from my boat that the keys would rip right out. I dont know if anyone else does this or not, but depending on where the lanyard goes I have seen people loop it through their key ring. I think that a barrel roll is a good theory, but why would the steering wheel be broken? Perhaps he stuffed it. ?

Depending on time of day it could've been striking either a submerged rock or one obscured by darkness. This was on a lake right with several little shoal/islands based on the picture posted here.
Also perhaps riding high and fast and got a uncontrollable chine going and got parallel in a boat wake which lead to a roll or a toss out...I don't think it'll ever be known other than high speed and loss of control will end up being the official cause other than alcohol. Wait until your next insurance renewal anniversary to feel the sting of all these early accidents....

Well put Reckless!

Brian

When my boat barrel rolled, my leg got stuck under the steering wheel. Bent metal and broke the fiberglass dash as I was being thrown out.

But if you hook a boat at a high rate of speed, your body being thrust forward can break the wheel too.

Very Sad this is not a good start to a boating season.. Our Prayers go out to the Family

Dang, I hate hearing this stuff.
Thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends

Yea I've been violently ejected at 82 mph and my life jacket and helmet saved my life. This is National Safe Boating Week also! BH

well I dont have a helmet, but you bet I will be in a vest with the kill switch attached, the wife too.
I have upgraded my engine and drive this year from a 250hp to 420hp
and its a stepped hull. having driven this boat for 2 years before this upgrade. I know accidents happen and I rather not end up as a RIP post on OSO. Sorry to hear that another power boater has lost his life

TopDJ:

Do you have external sterring to the helm? This Baja did not and I believe it may of been a factor in the accident. If you don't have it GET IT - BH

Got ejected at 80+ at the 1999 NYC poker run. No life preserver, no helmet don't remember a thing. Luckily one of the other ejectees foot hit me when he was swimming back to the boat. Always wear the lanyard and am installing full hydraulic this year!!