16-year-old girl dies in jet ski accident on Long Lake, 5-year-old injured

A 16-year-old girl died Sunday evening after a jet ski crash on Long Lake, according to Stevens County Fire District 1. The girl’s 5-year-old sister, who was also on the jet ski, was seriously injured. 

First responders received reports of a drowning near the Lake Spokane campground at about 5:45 p.m. Sunday. The incident was quickly updated to a jet ski accident. 

Those on scene said CPR was already in progress and two Life Flight helicopters were requested before fire personnel even arrived, said Chief Mike Bucy. 

“They had helicopters close so two units were requested,” Bucy said. 

The crash remains under investigation but initial reports say the 16-year-old girl was driving the jet ski with her 5-year-old sister on board, Bucy said. For an unknown reason, they stopped and a jet ski trailing them crashed into and ran over them from behind, Bucy said. 

The 5-year-old was taken by helicopter  to Spokane for treatment with serious injuries, including possible hypothermia. Medical personnel worked on the 16-year-old for over an hour before she was declared dead on scene, Bucy said.