Killed, 3 Injured in Lake Austin Boating Accident

Two people died and three others were injured when a boat collided with an object early Sunday in Lake Austin before starting to sink, authorities said.

Family members of one of the deceased identified the man as Shawn Hurwitz, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Sam Houston Race Park. A second person died after being transported to the hospital, according to Austin Police.

“At this time and with heavy hearts we can confirm that Shawn Hurwitz passed away last night in an incident on Lake Austin”, J. Kent Friedman, a family spokesman said in a statement.

The racetrack in northwest Houston was founded by Hurtwitz’ father, Houston billionaire Charles Hurwitz, who is the CEO of Maxxam. “Jennifer touched the lives of so many and pursued all of her roles with passion and energy that few, if any, could match”.

According to investigators, only one person on the boat wore a life jacket, KVUE.com reported.

“He had his bow light on, music real loud, and he had the boat at full speed”, Vander-Woude reportedly said.

Friedman, the family’s friend, said Hurwitz leaves behind a wife and two kids.