23-year-old killed by boat propeller while tubing at lake, Texas officials say

A 21-year-old boater is charged after a man was struck and killed by a propeller, Texas officials say.

Justin Mitchell Pillard was operating the boat that fatally collided with a 23-year-old man at Possum Kingdom Lake the evening of Friday, June 6, the state Parks and Wildlife Department said in a news release.

Pillard is facing a charge of intoxication manslaughter, officials said.

According to investigators, Pillard and three others were on board the boat while pulling a man riding in a tube. It’s unclear what exactly happened, but the tuber was hit by the boat’s propeller and died at the scene, officials said.

Game wardens, EMS and deputies with the Palo Pinto County Sheriff’s Office responded, according to officials.

“Further details are currently unavailable out of respect for the victim’s family and as we continue our investigation,” TPWD said. “Our thoughts remain with the man’s loved ones during this difficult time.”

Possum Kingdom Lake is about a 110-mile drive west from Fort Worth.

This story was originally published June 9, 2025 at 2:02 PM with the headline "23-year-old killed by boat propeller while tubing at lake, Texas officials say."