The Indiana DNR sent the following press release:
For immediate release: May 12, 2023
White River boating accident claims life of Indianapolis man (Marion County)
Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a boating accident that occurred yesterday on the White River in Indianapolis.
At approximately 7:30 p.m., conservation officers responded to the area of the river near Raymond Street for the report of a capsized boat.
Before they arrived, units from the Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD), Wayne Township Fire Department, and Indianapolis Metro Police Department rescued William Henson, 31, of Indianapolis, from the water, where he had been holding onto his capsized boat.
IFD Divers also rescued Martez Lamont Proctor-Cortez, 32, of Indianapolis from the water and transported him to Eskenazi Health Hospital; however, he was later pronounced dead.
Both men had been fishing when the boat capsized, throwing both into the water. Investigators have determined that the small watercraft was overloaded and could not safely navigate the river current. Proctor-Cortez was not wearing a life jacket.
Indiana Conservation Officers urge everyone to wear a lifejacket when boating or around water.
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