Copperopolis, CA…On 7-24-16 at about 1645 hours, Calaveras County Marine Division responded to Lake Tulloch for a vessel accident with major injuries. The accident occurred when a boat was pulling a water tube with two female’s riders when another boat struck the tube carrying the victims. The driver of the boat left the immediate area. The driver was later identified as Dean Payne (55 years old), from Copperopolis.
Both victims were transported via air ambulance to an area hospital for treatment for unknown injuries. Dean Payne was subsequently arrested for boating under the influence and fleeing the scene of an accident, bail set at $15,000.
BUI Arrest & Fleeing Scene Of Accident Arrest For Copperopolis Man added by admin on
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My prayers to the victims and their families <3
We were there when it happened, didn’t see the actual accident but instantly began to pray for the two that were obviously in distress. I’m glad they arrested that person. Why do people think the minute you get on a boat that it’s party time…it should be the complete opposite. There are too many things happening around you when you’re out there, jet skiers, other boats and tubers/wake boarders.
Very sad that a fun day would turn into a nightmare.
I’ll be continually praying for them and their families.
We immediately caught the aftermath. The driver was super drunk and even was drinking and smoking after he did it. No regard for life at all. Sickening!
$15k bail, what a joke!
One of the females has since passed and the other in critical condition still.
The passenger of the boat was released and walking around copperopolis the very next day even tho he was on parole! Wow what a shame.
Angelica, please let me know if you are sure she passed. She is a friend of mine and i am trying to get information.
Angelica – we were there as well and saw everything. How were you able to find out about the victims as the sheriff ‘s office would not release the status of them to us. I’m devasted to hear you state 1 of them did not survive as we have been really sick about seeing the whole incident. Really wanted to verify that you know for sure one of the girls passed away. My heart is broken.
Don’t understand why the other guy was not arrested too especially since you stated he was on parole. It explains why he jumped and tried to swim away.
What? Did one die? She is a friend of mine and I’ve been trying to get information. Please let me know how you found that out and if you are 100% sure
Does anyone know for a fact one pasted away !!!? Please tell us how u know this. Im friends with them and haven’t heard anything
the above is not correct information, i just received confirmation, no one has been confirmed as deceased. Please do not post things like this if you are not 100% SURE
the above is not correct information, i just received confirmation, no one has been confirmed as deceased but both are still in critical condition. Please do not post things like this if you are not 100% SURE
Omg thank u !!!! Please pray for Rachael and robin
This isn’t his first run from the police. On o’brynes fiery rd. driving on a rim starting fires as he went. Why such a small bail?
Sorry for posting something that was not confirmed 100%, that was what one of the lake residents had heard and I was just frustrated and sickened about the whole incident. My sincerest apologies for jumping the gun on that. Hopefully both girls will be ok from this horrible incident.
As far as I know neither has passed. My best friend is one of the girls and has been fighting for her life! Her 5 year old son witnessed the entire thing. What a senseless tragedy for no other reason than selfishness!
Just wondering if there have been any updates regarding Rachael or Robin?
Any updates ?
There is an update on copperville on Facebook
Can you please provide a link to this update?
http://www.mymotherlode.com/news/local/270673/new-charges-from-drunk-boating-accident-at-lake-tulloch.html
There is one about them recovering but all it says is something along lines of both are alive, one is recovering while other is still critical but stable. Nothing more unfortunately :/