Two killed in Skaneateles Lake boating accident

By: The Citizen staff report

Sunday, July 8, 2007 9:54 PM EDT

A vacation turned fatal for two people who died on Skaneateles Lake Sunday morning.
John E. Kelly, 32, and Heather Wilkins, 26, died after a boat struck the 20-foot Mastercraft boat they were in, according to the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office at about 2:45 a.m.

Kelly of Richmond, Va., died at the scene, according to the sheriff's office. Wilkins was pronounced dead at Syracuse's University Hospital later that morning.

Police originally charged Brian J. Cordes, 25, with boating while intoxicated but then after interviewing witnesses, charged his brother Craig Cordes, 32, the sheriff's office said. The sheriff's office still is investigating the crash.

Cordes, continued south on Skaneateles Lake after his 18-foot Sea Ray rammed the other boat.

A witness contacted the authorities about the collision.

The Richmond Times Dispatch stated Kelly served as a Richmond police officer for nearly seven years. According to the newspaper, he was not married. Televised reports said Wilkins was Cordes' girlfriend.

The Citizens' Say

Post your comment - click here

There are 3 comment(s)

The Truth wrote on Jul 9, 2007 11:57 AM:

" What possesses anyone to be out in a boat at 2:45 in the morning ... "

jeep wrote on Jul 9, 2007 2:54 AM:

" Tragic!! Sad to say that people vacationing from Virginia have such a devastating accident here in the Finger Lakes...:( Is this a hint to why we should really take our lakes seriously and keep them safe from events like this happening? Do we really want to be branded the vacation spot of gloom and doom? A boat is just as potentionally dangerous as an automobile and all people that operate them under the influence should be penalized. I hope when this guy recovers from his night out he is ready to stand a manslaughter charge! This was the last vacation these people will ever take... "

gramof3 wrote on Jul 8, 2007 11:20 PM:

" yet another tragedy that could have been prevented. my thoughts & prayers are with their families. too many questions unanswered. "

REGISTRATION IS FREE.
Registered users sign in here:
*Member ID:
*Password:
Remember login?
(requires cookies)
 
Unregistered users can register here:

Do not use usernames or passwords from your financial accounts!

Note: Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required!

*Create a Member ID:
*Choose a password:
*Re-enter password:
*E-mail Address:
*Year of Birth:
 

(children under 13 cannot register)

First Name:
Last Name:
Company:
Home Phone:
Business Phone:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
 
E-Citizen
E-Edition
Wheels Etc.
Find a vehicle
Hot Jobs
Find a Job
Homes Etc.
Find a Home
TV Week
Find a program
Search Classifieds
Find, Buy
Place a Classified Ad
Sell
Skaneateles Journal
The Journal
New! Halloween Central
Boo!!
New! Best Bridal
Here comes the bride. . .
New! Election HQ
Here come the politicos
Liven Up the Holidays
Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-laaaaaa
Logo HereNew! Off the Menu
Good Eatin'!
Newspaper Ads
See it again
CNY Boats Etc.
Achors aweigh!
Sections
Special Sections

Top Jobs

The Citizen Copyright ©2009
A division of Lee Publications, Inc.
25 Dill Street
Auburn, NY 13021

Contact Us

Add to My Yahoo!