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Authorities have identified 21-year-old Grace Clark as the victim in a tragic crash on Great Sacandaga Lake near Broadalbin, New York. On Monday evening (June 23), Clark was operating a personal watercraft when she collided with a pontoon boat around 6:15 p.m., according to the Fulton County Sheriff's Office. The incident occurred just north of the town's boat launch.
Clark, originally from Texas and a graduate of Schalmont High School in Rotterdam, died at the scene. Her passenger, 29-year-old Caleb Cummings from Schoharie County, was injured and taken to Albany Medical Center for treatment. Fortunately, no one on the pontoon boat was hurt, and there is no evidence suggesting the boat operator was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The boat was reportedly traveling at approximately 20 mph at the time of the collision, though the speed of the watercraft remains unknown. Sheriff Richard Giardino described the event as "very traumatic for everyone" involved and extended condolences to Clark's family.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the sheriff's office in collaboration with state conservation officers, State Police, and the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from local emergency services.