powerboat crash

Powerboat operator sentenced to jail for cruise boat crash

OSHKOSH, Wis. (WBAY) - The man convicted in a boat crash on the Fox River was sentenced to five months in jail on Thursday.

A Winnebago County courtroom was packed for Jason Lindemann’s sentencing hearing Thursday afternoon. Lindemann, who is a prominent businessman and has been called a leader in the community, apologized at the hearing, saying that he takes responsibility for his behaviors and asking the judge for leniency. The state asked the judge to treat him like any other person and to hold him accountable.

In addition to five months in jail, he’ll spend 3 years on probation. The judge put many stipulations on his probation, including 50 hours of community service every year, counseling, and an Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA) assessment. The judge decided on 50 hours a year for each year of probation based on the number of people’s lives Lindemann put in danger that night. Requests for restitution, which Action 2 News has heard may be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars range, will be decided at a hearing in January.

Lindemann, now 54, crashed his powerboat into a paddlewheel cruise boat with 44 people on board in July 2022. Witnesses said he then turned off the lights of the powerboat as he fled.

A jury convicted him on 14 counts, including Second Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety, Failure to Render Aid after a Boating Accident Resulting in Injury, and Negligent Operation of Boat. He was acquitted on one of the Failure to Render Aid counts.

“Mr. Lindemann affected 50 other people’s lives that day. Had he stopped and rendered aid, we may not be here. It would potentially have been a week-long story about another accident on the water.” said judge Michael Gibbs. “There were pleas on the shore and in his own boat to stop and do the right thing. Your actions that day were cowardly and this most offensive to the boating community.”

Man gets jail time for 2022 boat crash on Fox River in Oshkosh

by Scott Hurley & Andrew Mertins, FOX 11 News

OSHKOSH (WLUK) -- Jason Lindemann was sentenced Thursday for a boat crash on the Fox River in Oshkosh that injured more than a dozen people.

Judge Michael Gibbs sentenced Lindemann, 54, to five months in jail, followed by three years on probation. He was also ordered to serve 150 hours of community service.

In June, a jury found Lindemann guilty of two felony counts of second-degree recklessly endangering safety, 11 misdemeanor counts of failing to provide aid after a boating accident and one misdemeanor count of negligent operation of a boat. He was acquitted of one count of failing to provide aid after a boating accident.

While Lindemann did not testify during his trial, he did address the courtroom Thursday, saying he's remorseful of his actions during the crash -- and directly apologized to the owner of the paddleboat he struck.

"I want to express my deepest remorse to Mr. Loos, his crew and all on both vessels," said Lindemann. "The evening of July 9, 2022, I understand that my actions have not only had impact on the people involved, but also their families, my own and the community at large."

According to the criminal complaint, Lindemann was driving his powerboat on the Fox River when it collided with the On the Loos paddlewheel cruise boat just before 10 p.m. July 9, 2022.

The paddleboat, carrying 44 people, suffered significant damage. Despite pleas from passengers on the damaged boat and nearby witnesses, Lindemann allegedly did not stop and render aid.

"Your actions that day were cowardly, and that is what is most offensive to the boating community," said Winnebago Co. Judge Michael Gibbs on Thursday.

One victim, who did not want to be identified by name, took the stand Thursday -- where she highlighted how the crash still impacts her.

"It was one of the most scariest situations of my life. I really feel if you would have hit us a couple feet over, none of us would be here," said the victim.

After dropping injured passengers from his boat off nearby, Lindemann drove his boat onto Lake Winnebago, where he and the boat remained until the next morning. Law enforcement found Lindemann's boat abandoned at a nearby marina the next day.

The owner of On the Loos told police "he had a clear view of the striking boat as it approached his boat. (The victim) said he saw the front end of the striking boat go up as it picked up speed and headed directly towards the On the Loos in a head-on fashion. (The victim) stated he was not able to get out of the way but honked his horn. The striking boat veered to its right and struck the paddleboat on the lower deck area," the complaint states.

One victim told police he "heard the operator of the striking boat yell 'I'm so (expletive), I'm so (expletive)' until the boat sped away with its lights off," the complaint states.

When police discovered Lindemann's boat, there appeared to be dried blood inside the boat and a bird decoration which had been on the On The Loos.

One witness on Lindemann's boat said Lindemann had been drinking beers while on the boat. After the crash, Lindemann ignored pleas to help those on the other boat, she said.

The victims described a variety of injuries, including back pain, cuts, bruises, leg and neck injuries.

Lindemann also faces a civil lawsuit from the owners of the On the Loos.

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• AGRICULTURE

Man Gets Jail Time for 2022 Boat Crash on Fox River in Oshkosh

Jason Lindemann PC: Fox 11 Online

OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Jason Lindemann was sentenced Thursday for a boat crash on the Fox River in Oshkosh that injured more than a dozen people.

Judge Michael Gibbs sentenced Lindemann, 54, to five months in jail, followed by three years on probation. He was also ordered to serve 150 hours of community service.

In June, a jury found Lindemann guilty of two felony counts of second-degree recklessly endangering safety, 11 misdemeanor counts of failing to provide aid after a boating accident and one misdemeanor count of negligent operation of a boat. He was acquitted of one count of failing to provide aid after a boating accident.

According to the criminal complaint, Lindemann was driving his powerboat on the Fox River when it collided with the On the Loos paddlewheel cruise boat just before 10 p.m. July 9, 2022.

The paddleboat, carrying 44 people, suffered significant damage. Despite pleas from passengers on the damaged boat and nearby witnesses, Lindemann allegedly did not stop and render aid.

After dropping injured passengers from his boat off nearby, Lindemann drove his boat onto Lake Winnebago, where he and the boat remained until the next morning. Law enforcement found Lindemann’s boat abandoned at a nearby marina the next day.

The owner of On the Loos told police “he had a clear view of the striking boat as it approached his boat. (The victim) said he saw the front end of the striking boat go up as it picked up speed and headed directly towards the On the Loos in a head-on fashion. (The victim) stated he was not able to get out of the way but honked his horn. The striking boat veered to its right and struck the paddleboat on the lower deck area,” the complaint states.

One victim told police he “heard the operator of the striking boat yell ‘I’m so (expletive), I’m so (expletive)’ until the boat sped away with its lights off,” the complaint states.

When police discovered Lindemann’s boat, there appeared to be dried blood inside the boat and a bird decoration which had been on the On The Loos.

One witness on Lindemann’s boat said Lindemann had been drinking beers while on the boat. After the crash, Lindemann ignored pleas to help those on the other boat, she said.

The victims described a variety of injuries, including back pain, cuts, bruises, leg and neck injuries.

Lindemann also faces a civil lawsuit from the owners of the On the Loos.

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1 killed, 10 injured as speedboat crashes into jetty in California

One person was killed, and 10 others injured after a boat crashed into a jetty in Southern California.

The 48-foot boat crashed into the Alamitos Bay jetty around 9:20 p.m. Wednesday, the Long Beach Fire Department said in a news release Thursday.

While it is not immediately clear how many people were on board, authorities said the "mass casualty incident" involved 11 victims.

One person was declared deceased on spot, while the other victims were transported to local hospitals, where three of them were identified as critical, authorities said.

Investigators did not specify a cause of the accident in their release. However, Long Beach Fire Department's Capt. Jack Crabtree told the Los Angeles Times that speed was likely a factor, with preliminary reports suggesting the boat was traveling at roughly 40 mph.

The captain added that an investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Here's the latest on the Fox River powerboat-paddleboat crash in Oshkosh

OSHKOSH – A 52-year-old Oshkosh man has been arrested and awaits charges after the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office says he crashed his 45-foot powerboat into the side of a two-story "commercial stern-wheel pleasure cruise" paddleboat July 9 and fled the scene.

The sheriff's office released the crash report July 21.

The man has not yet been charged in court, and officials say the investigation is ongoing. USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin typically does not identify suspects until they have been charged.

What's the latest in the case?

The investigation remains ongoing, but the sheriff's office said July 21 it believes all 43 occupants of the paddleboat and all seven occupants of the powerboat have been identified.

The boat owner and operator had a bail hearing at 2:30 p.m. July 13. He was released on $10,000 cash bond, under conditions that he maintains "absolute sobriety," does not leave Wisconsin, surrenders his passport to the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office and follows the county's 24/7 sobriety program, according to the Winnebago County Clerk of Courts Office.

The sheriff's office asks anyone with additional information to call 920-236-7316.

When and where did the crash happen?

The boat crash occurred shortly before 10 p.m. July 9 on the Fox River, between the Oregon Street and Wisconsin Street bridges in Oshkosh.

How did the boats crash?

According to the crash report, the paddleboat was headed downstream on the Fox River, while the powerboat was headed upstream. People aboard the paddleboat and camera footage from the nearby bridges saw the powerboat "make reckless maneuvers" before heading straight towards the paddleboat, failing to yield the right of way. The powerboat did not activate its navigation lights, and just before impact turned in an apparent attempt to avoid hitting the paddleboat.

The port side of the powerboat collided with the port side of the paddleboat, which had 43 passengers and crew members on board.

The sheriff's office listed reckless operation, alcohol use, excessive speed, improper lookout, navigation rules violation and operator inattention as contributing factors to the crash.

Was anyone injured?

While the sheriff's office initially reported that seven passengers aboard the paddleboat were injured, the crash report listed that 14 people aboard the paddleboat were injured. Only one person was sent to the hospital.

The person had a back laceration that required medical treatment beyond first aid, according to the crash report.

What happened after the crash?

The powerboat fled the scene after the crash. According to the sheriff's office, witnesses and surveillance video found that seven people were on board the powerboat before and after the crash, indicating that none of the occupants fell overboard.

The paddleboat had "severe damage" to its side but made it safely to the south shore of the Fox River, where all occupants got off the boat, the sheriff's office said. It sustained damage to the deck, railing, windows, lower tier frame and chairs and tables on board, the crash report said.

The powerboat sustained damage to its front and left side, including fiberglass hanging from the hull and the lower unit missing from one of the engines, according to the crash report.

Several agencies assisted the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office in trying to find the powerboat, its owner and occupants the night of the crash but were unsuccessful.

Officials identified the boat owner and operator through boat registration records, Winnebago County Sheriff's Detective Capt. Todd Christie said. He was arrested July 12.

Loos Cruises, the operator of the paddleboat, has stopped booking reservations until further notice, according to its website .

What charges does the powerboat owner face?

The boat owner has not yet been formally charged, but the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office said he was arrested on 12 counts of second-degree recklessly endangering safety — a class G felony — and 11 counts of failing to render aid after a boating accident.

More: Man convicted in boat crash deaths of Neenah sisters denied new trial or lesser sentence

Contact Kelli Arseneau at (920) 213-3721 or [email protected] . Follow her on Twitter at @ArseneauKelli . 

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Oshkosh man sentenced to 5 months in jail, community service for 2022 powerboat-paddleboat crash

OSHKOSH – At his sentencing hearing Thursday, Jason Lindemann admitted his reaction after crashing his power boat into a two-story paddleboat cruise in July 2022 was one of "self-preservation."

"I take full responsibility for my actions and the consequences that followed," the 54-year-old Oshkosh man told the packed courtroom of close to 50 people.

However, Winnebago County Circuit Court Judge Michael Gibbs said Lindemann showed no indication of accepting responsibility after the crash.

"Your actions that day were cowardly," Gibbs told Lindemann before delivering his sentence of five months in jail and 150 hours of community service. "And that is what's most offensive to the boating community."

On July 9, 2022, just before 10 p.m., Lindemann was operating a high-speed powerboat containing six passengers when he collided with a large, slow-moving paddleboat owned and operated by  On The Loos Cruises  on the Fox River in Oshkosh, between the Oregon Street and Wisconsin Street bridges.

Forty-one passengers and three crew members were aboard the paddleboat. No one was severely injured, but multiple people received treatment for injuries in the days and weeks following the crash. On the Loos Cruises has been unable to operate since the crash over two years ago due to the damage caused to the paddleboat, owner Jeff Loos said at the sentencing hearing.

After briefly pulling up alongside the paddleboat, Lindemann drove away, despite shouts and pleas from people on the paddleboat and nearby boats for him to stop, multiple witnesses testified at Lindemann's jury trial in June .

Lindemann was arrested after employees at Pioneer Marina found an unauthorized powerboat parked in the marina. Employees told law enforcement they saw what looked like blood and a decoration believed to have come from the paddleboat. They also recognized the boat as belonging to Sweetwater Performance Center, which is owned by Lindemann.

At trial, a jury found Lindemann guilty of nearly all charges against him: two felony counts of second-degree recklessly endangering safety, 11 misdemeanor counts of failing to render aid in a boating accident resulting in injury and one misdemeanor count of negligent operation of a boat. They found him not guilty of a 12th count of failing to render aid, after determining not enough adequate evidence existed that one of the victims experienced injuries.

Assistant Attorneys General Emily Thompson and Tara Jenswold argued at trial that Lindemann had been drinking throughout the day prior to getting behind the wheel of his boat, and left the scene of the crash to avoid getting in trouble for operating while intoxicated. GPS data and video footage showed Lindemann drive away after the crash, then drop off some passengers — one of whom had a head injury — at shore, and return to the middle of the lake, where the boat stayed with its lights off for the rest of the night, over seven hours.

At the sentencing hearing, Thompson said it was only sheer luck that people did not experience worse injuries, and if the angle of the crash was any different, "people certainly would have died," she said.

Lindemann's defense attorney, Scott Ceman, disputed the claim that Lindemann was drunk. He said Lindemann attempted to stop and provide aid after the boat crash, but left after people shouted threats and threw beer bottles toward the powerboat, to get his injured passenger to safety.

Before delivering Lindemann's sentence, Gibbs expressed skepticism to Ceman's claim that no evidence existed Lindemann was intoxicated at the time of the crash.

"Mr. Lindemann was drinking something. Not sure how much, not sure if he was drunk. I'm not sure because he fled the scene," Gibbs said.

Gibbs sentenced of five months in jail and three years of probation was between the prosecution's and defense's recommendations. Thompson requested Lindemann be sentenced to nine months conditional jail time and six years of probation. Ceman requested 18 months of probation.

The jail time, Gibbs said, is important in part to deter other boaters from stopping to help after a crash, knowing that it is a jailable offense.

Gibbs also dismissed a case in which Lindemann had a forfeiture for operating a boat while intoxicated. Thompson said the prosecution filed a motion for its dismissal because it "involves a fair amount of circumstantial evidence."

RELATED: Oshkosh man convicted of all but one charge against him in 2022 powerboat-paddleboat crash

Under conditions of his probation, Lindemann must maintain absolute sobriety and take part in any alcohol abuse programming and counseling recommended by his probation agent. He also cannot operate a boat during his term of probation.

Additionally, Gibbs ordered Lindemann complete 50 hours of community service each year of his probation — one hour for each person on the paddleboat and powerboat.

Victims who spoke at the sentencing hearing and victim impact statements submitted to the court described not only physical injuries and medical fees, but also lasting emotional trauma from the crash.

One woman said in addition to doctor visits and therapy sessions, she has experienced anxiety from hearing boats and smelling lake water.

Another woman said she was concussed in the crash and called it was one of the scariest days of her life. She said she believes if Lindemann hit the boat just a few feet over, "none of us would be here."

A restitution hearing is scheduled for 1 p.m. Jan. 22.

Contact Kelli Arseneau at 920-213-3721 or  [email protected] . Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, at  @ArseneauKelli .

This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Oshkosh man sentenced to jail for 2022 powerboat-paddleboat crash

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Jason Lindemann sentenced to 5 months in jail for 2022 Fox River boat crash

OSHKOSH (NBC 26) — Jason Lindemann was sentenced to five months of conditional jail time today for his role in a high-profile boat crash on the Fox River in July 2022 that left several people injured.

Lindemann was convicted in June on multiple charges, and in court on Thursday addressed the victims for the first time. His charges included two felony counts of second-degree recklessly endangering safety and 11 misdemeanors for failing to provide aid after the crash.

At the sentencing, Lindemann expressed remorse, offering a public apology to all the victims, including those on his own boat and the 44 people aboard the Loos Cruise Paddleboat. The paddleboat's captain, Jeff Loos, was among those who addressed the court.

“I’m here to offer my sincere apologies and to ask for the court’s understanding and mercy,” Lindemann stated. “I am prepared to accept the consequences of my actions.”

However, Jeff Loos, highlighted the consequences of the crash, stating, “No matter what, he's not going to suffer. He still has all of his income, and I have no boat, no business, no income.”

Before delivering the sentence, the judge stated the importance of setting an example for the community. The judge stated that the five-month sentence was meant to punish Lindemann while also sending a message that such crimes would result in jail time.

In addition to the jail sentence, Lindemann received three years of probation. Several victims are seeking $600,000 in restitution, with a hearing scheduled for January 22 at 1:00 p.m. Multiple civil lawsuits related to the incident are also pending.

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21 charges filed against powerboat driver who crashed into cruiser on Fox River

WINNEBAGO COUNTY, Wis. (WBAY) - Twenty-one charges have been filed against the driver of a powerboat that hit a paddlewheel cruise boat on the Fox River.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice filed a complaint against Jason Lindemann Wednesday.

Lindemann is charged with two counts of Second Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety, 18 counts of Boating Accident Involving Injury - Fail to Render Aid and one count of Negligent Operation of a boat.

CLICK HERE to read the full criminal complaint.

“Our boating laws and regulations help protect people’s safety,” said Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul. “Thank you to the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office, the DNR wardens, and the prosecutors who have been working on this case.”

On July 9, at about 9:58 p.m., officers were called to the area between Wisconsin Street and Oregon Street bridges over the Fox River in Oshkosh. Lindemann’s 38-foot speedboat had hit the commercial On the Loos paddlewheel cruiser. There were 44 people on the paddlewheel boat at the time of the crash.

A witness who had been fishing in the area saw the powerboat traveling upstream from south of the Oregon Street bridge. The witness told police that he believed people on the boat to be “rowdy.” After the boat passed under the bridge, “it went to full throttle and the bow went up,” according to the complaint. The witness reported hearing a loud boom near where the On the Loos cruiser was located.

“Witness 2 looked to the north and saw the power boat ricochet to the right off the paddleboat,” reads the complaint.

The witness saw passengers get off the On the Loos. About 15 minutes later, the power boat passed by the cruiser. The witness heard someone from shore saying, “You hit me, you need to stop, you need to come over here.”

“In response, he heard a slurred voice coming from the power boat saying, ‘I didn’t see you.’”

People on the powerboat were heard saying “Shut up, we need to run to the marina and drop someone off,” according to the complaint.

The witness saw the power boat go downstream and never stop to check on the paddlewheel cruiser.

The witness reported seeing other boats following the powerboat in attempts to get it to stop.

An On the Loos passenger was on the upper deck of the paddleboat at the time of the crash. She said she did not see Lindemann’s powerboat approaching, but felt an impact and heard a thud. She looked over her shoulder and saw the bottom of the powerboat sliding across the hull of the On the Loos. She saw the powerboat veer away and come to a stop before traveling down the river with its lights off.

Another witness saw the powerboat stop at the river walk near the Leach Ampithether and observed multiple people get off the boat. The driver was identified as Jason Lindemann. A witness saw him get onto Lake Winnebago with no lights on.

Another passenger of On the Loos stated he jumped off to the shore and chased after Lindemann’s boat. The passenger caught up to them near the amphitheater and saw two people covering their faces so as not to be seen. “He stated that one of them was bleeding badly from the head.”

The victim heard Lindemann yell “I’m so f---d, I’m so f---d” before driving away with his lights off.

Another On the Loos passenger told investigators that he didn’t know how to swim and thought the cruiser was sinking. “He stated he feared for his safety and thought he might die.”

“He also feared for the safety of others on board and believed some people would be seriously injured or killed.”

On July 10, at about 10 a.m., officers went to Pioneer Marina in Oshkosh and found the powerboat involved in the crash. It had damage and what appeared to be dried blood inside the boat. A deputy found a case of White Claw on the boat.

The boat was registered to Sweetwater Performance Center in Oshkosh. The business is owned by Jason Lindemann.

A witness told a detective that at 8 p.m. on July 9, Lindemann and a friend arrived at Dockside Tavern. The witness stated that Lindemann asked if he and his wife wanted to go for a boat ride with some others. The passenger said they pulled away from the Dockside and Lindemann “took off” and “they hit something.” He said he gashed his head open when he fell.

Lindemann dropped them off at the dock and they returned to the Dockside. The passenger went to the emergency room and was treated for a bruised back and ribs and a gash above his eye.

Another passenger on the speedboat at the time of the crash said he had been drinking heavily all day and ended up at the Dockside with the defendant “where they continued to drink.” He got on the powerboat with Lindemann, who he identified as the driver. The passenger didn’t remember the crash. The only thing he remembered was arriving at Pioneer Marina early on the morning of July 10.

Another passenger stated that Lindemann was the only person driving the boat.

Another powerboat passenger told investigators that she had yelled at Lindemann to “take responsibility and turn around and check on people.” She said Lindemann ignored her.

“Victim 27 stated there were plenty of places the defendant could have stopped, but he did not,” reads the complaint.

A witness at a nearby bar on Lake Winnebago identified Lindemann as “the real drunk one” and had witnessed people on the powerboat taking shots of Crown Royal earlier in the day.

GPS data showed a slow no-wake speed under the Oregon Street Bridge, but the powerboat “accelerated rapidly,” reaching a top speed of 46 mph as it went in the direction of On the Loos. Lindemann slowed to about 31 mph at the time of impact. The video showed Lindemann failing to stop to help the people aboard On the Loos.

Several people aboard On the Loos suffered injuries, some continuing to seek treatment after the crash.

Jason Lindemann appeared in Winnebago County Court Wednesday for a hearing. Action 2 News was the only station there as Lindemann went before the court.

Lindemann has also been cited with Operate Boat while Intoxicated in Winnebago County. That’s not a criminal charge. It’s considered a non-traffic ordinance violation.

A special prosecutor with the DOJ took over the case after social media posts sparked rumors of potential conflicts of interest within the county.

In August, Winnebago County District Attorney Eric Sparr announced he was handing the case to the DOJ because rumors on social media “helped create the appearance of conflict, even in the absence of an actual conflict.”

As law enforcement continued to investigate, it was discovered that some people in the office know some of the victims in the case.

“However, that alone would not have been something that would have required us to be off of the case,” Sparr writes.

“To have a properly functioning criminal justice system, we must first avoid real conflicts. Public trust in the process, and in outcomes of criminal cases, is also tremendously important, which means we also must avoid the appearance of conflict,” Sparr writes. “Given all the factors outlined in the memo, I have concluded that it is not possible for my office to prosecute this case without creating the appearance of conflict, and we are pursuing the appointment of a special prosecutor.”

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