N.B. man dead after Jet Ski and recreational boat collision in Petit-Tracadie

The New Brunswick RCMP says a man has died following a collision between a Jet Ski and recreational boat on the Tracadie River in Petit-Tracadie.

The collision happened just before 1 a.m. Saturday. Tracadie RCMP says three people, two males and one female ages 39 to 55, were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The 53-year-old driver of the Jet Ski died at the scene as a result of his injuries.

Initially the driver of the recreational boat was missing, but was later located on shore.

Sgt. Patrick Dupont with the Tracadie RCMP said he didn’t believe the operators of the two crafts knew each other.

Tracadie Fire, Ambulance New Brunswick and the New Brunswick Coroner’s Office also responded, as well as the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System which helped with the initial search for the driver of the boat.

An autopsy will be performed to determine the man’s cause of death. Dupont couldn’t say if alcohol was involved, but said a toxicology test will be included in the autopsy.

He said some recreational pleasure crafts don’t have strong lighting, and operating them after dark comes with risks.

An RCMP collision reconstructionist is helping with the investigation, which remains active. 

For more New Brunswick news visit our dedicated provincial page.