Latest news with #TexasParksandWildlifeDepartment
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Suspect charged with Intoxication Manslaughter for Abilene man killed at Possum Kingdom Lake
PALO PINTO COUNTY, Texas () – A suspect has been charged with Intoxication Manslaughter in connection to the death of an Abilene man killed at Possum Kingdom Lake this weekend. Justin Pillard was booked into the Palo Pino County Jail Saturday for Intoxication Manslaughter with Vehicle then was releaed from jail after posting a $30,000 bond. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department says Pillard was operating a boat when the boat's propeller struck and killed a 23-year-old Abilene man who was being pulled in a tube behind. This young man, who has not been publicly identified, was pronounced dead at the scene. No further information is available at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Memorial Day weekend records most boating while intoxicated charges in 5 years
TYLER, Texas (KETK) — Texas game wardens saw the highest number of boating while intoxicated charges and responded to several boating collisions this past Memorial Day weekend, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) said. Disturbance call at Cascades subdivision leads to officer-involved shooting in Tyler Memorial Day weekend is a holiday meant to honor and celebrate the lives of military personal who lost their lives while fighting for our freedom. However, some Americans can take the celebration too far and when alcohol is combined with getting behind the wheel of a boat, it sometimes leads to bad outcomes. The Texas game wardens witnessed these outcomes this past Memorial Day weekend. 48 packages of hydroponic marijuana seized during East Texas traffic stop 'Our wardens don't just patrol the water, they serve wherever they're needed,' TPWD law enforcement director Colonel Ron VanderRoest said. 'This weekend was a good example of the depth of their commitment to public safety, responding in severe weather, major fire incidents and high-risk law enforcement situations.' The Texas game wardens took care of business as they conducted over 10,000 vessel checks along with issuing more than a thousand warnings and citations. Wardens also saw more serious charges including 53 boating while intoxicated, seven driving while intoxicated and 21 other arrest. Six boating collisions were reported with one them resulting in a death at Grapevine Lake. Two drownings were reported at Red River and Elmendorf Lake along with a 5-year-old girl who was recued after being blown away on an inflatable tube at the Falcon International Reservoir, according to TPWD. Online East Texas predator sentenced after sexual relationship with out-of-state minor 'When alcohol, crowded waterways and severe weather are in the mix, the risk of incidents can rise fast,' Texas Parks and Wildlife Department assistant commander for marine enforcement Cody Jones said. 'That's why we prioritize presence, visibility and swift response. We can't be everywhere at once, so we need the public to meet us halfway by boating responsibly. We are thankful for everyone who did over the holiday weekend.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
USA Today
29-05-2025
- General
- USA Today
Texas fisherman catches record bass, releases it 3½ months later
Texas fisherman catches record bass, releases it 3½ months later A Texas fisherman caught a lake-record 14.05-pound largemouth bass at Lady Bird Lake in Austin, making it one of 14 bass in the state that qualified for the 2025 Toyota ShareLunker Program. Willie Pipkin caught the lunker bass on February 5 and then, as part of the ShareLunker Program for bass 13 pounds and bigger, loaned the fish to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to use in its selective breeding and stocking program. Qualifying bass are known as Legacy Class ShareLunkers. Pipkin, joined by wildlife officials, released the bass back into Lady Bird Lake on May 22, as reported by MySan Antonio. Video of the release was posted last week by the TPWD on its Facebook page. 'He just released her back into the lake to let the legend live on,' TPWD wrote in its post. 'Anglers provided 14 Legacy Class ShareLunkers from nine different public lakes across the state of Texas,' the TPWD reported in a press release. 'Another new waterbody recorded its first Legacy Class fish, and O.H. Ivie, the reigning waterbody champion for the past five seasons, finished 2025 with six of the 14 total Legacy Class entries. 'O.H. Ivie retained its designation as the undisputed leader with 59 Legacy Class fish during the five-year span. The lake sprinted across the finish line in 2025 with three consecutive Legacy Lunkers to close out the collection season. The West Texas hotspot accumulated 12 Legacy Class Lunkers in 2021, 2022 and 2024 and amassed a record-shattering 15 ShareLunkers in 2023.' The program runs from Jan. 1 to March 31 each year. 'With new lakes joining the Legacy Class ranks, and returning favorites like O.H. Ivie continuing to impress, it's clear that lunker bass fishing in Texas is thriving,' program coordinator Natalie Goldstrohm stated. 'Every ShareLunker catch helps Texas Parks and Wildlife Department advance bass genetics, fisheries management and angler recognition across the state.' Photos courtesy of the TPWD.
USA Today
27-05-2025
- USA Today
18-year-old kayaker killed by jet ski in hit-and-run at Texas lake, 1 person in custody
18-year-old kayaker killed by jet ski in hit-and-run at Texas lake, 1 person in custody 'Our thoughts are with Ava's family and friends during this difficult time,' the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department said in a statement. Show Caption Hide Caption One killed in Florida hit-and-run ferry boat crash One person was killed and more were injured in Florida after a hit-and-run ferry crash. An 18-year-old girl died while kayaking at a lake in Texas after a jet ski hit-and-run over the Memorial Day weekend. Ava Moore was kayaking at Lake Grapevine, about 25 miles northwest of Dallas, on the evening of May 25 when a jet ski with two women on board fatally struck her, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department said in a statement. While the jet ski passenger remained on scene to be interviewed by first responders, the operator fled with a man, police said. The two then hit a vehicle while leaving the area. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department spokesperson Maggie Berger told USA TODAY on May 27 that a suspect identified as Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez was taken into custody in connection with the accident. "More details will be available later," Berger said. Ava Moore 'didn't suffer,' says witness A witness, Lisa Scrabeck, told CBS News that Moore was pulled ashore after she was hit, adding that she was wearing a life jacket, which was removed before CPR began. "She didn't suffer in agony," Scrabeck told the outlet. "It's very tragic, and I extend my deepest condolences to the family. I can't imagine being the parents of this young girl. But one thing I can say is that she didn't suffer from the moment I saw her." The witness added she had noticed the two women accused of the hit-and-run driving the jet ski "recklessly" throughout the day. Investigation into boat, car incidents ongoing Authorities are investigating both incidents, the statement said, adding that the Grapevine Police Department is looking into the car accident and Texas Game Wardens are leading the water fatality investigation. "Our thoughts are with Ava's family and friends during this difficult time," the post said. "Texas Game Wardens remain committed to keeping our public waters safe." Anyone with information on the suspect and incident is requested to email the Grapevine Police Department at cidmail@ Ava Moore was an outstanding student A GoFundMe set up to support Moore's family and help pay for her funeral arrangements said she was "an outstanding student and athlete" who had just returned from Colorado Springs after finishing her first year at the Air Force Preparatory School. The fundraiser, which had a target of $20,000, has raised more than $22,000 as of May 27. Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@ and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
Texas Game Wardens issue safety reminder ahead of busy Memorial Day Weekend
May 21—AUSTIN — As Memorial Day weekend approaches, Texas Game Wardens are gearing up for a busy summer on lakes, rivers and coastal waters to keep boaters safe. With more than 560,000 registered boats and an estimated 359,000 unregistered paddlecraft on Texas waterways, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is urging boaters to make wearing life jackets, sober operation of boats and common-sense safety their top priorities. Operators of personal watercraft should also be aware that these vessels have unique safety laws, including always wearing a life jacket and operating in daylight hours only. "Texas Game Wardens will be out Memorial Day weekend to ensure the public enjoys their time on the water responsibly," Cody Jones, TPWD assistant commander for marine enforcement, said in a news release. "But we also need boaters to take safety seriously. Many of the deaths and serious injuries that occurred in Texas waters last year were preventable." Game wardens will continue to patrol the waterways across the state throughout the summer season, working to prevent accidents and assist those in need. While game wardens are trained and equipped to respond quickly, many emergencies can be avoided altogether when boaters make informed, responsible choices. "Every life jacket worn and every sober operator behind the wheel contributes to a safer environment for everyone on the water," Erika Brooks, TPWD boating education specialist, said in the release. Safety Requirements and Reminders — Wear a life jacket: Required for children under 13 and essential for all. — Use the engine cut-off switch: It's the law and can help prevent serious injury. — Never operate a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol: Penalties include fines and license suspension. — Take a boater safety course: Required for anyone born on or after Sept. 1, 1993, operating certain vessels. — Personal watercraft operators must wear a life jacket, follow the 50-foot rule and stay off the water after sunset. — Be weather-aware, communicate your plans, and avoid overcrowding your boat. — Avoid saltwater if you have open wounds as Vibrio bacteria occur naturally in Texas coastal waters. "Boater education is one of the most effective tools we have for reducing incidents," Jones added. "Of those involved in fatal or serious accidents, many had never taken a safety course. That's something every boater can control." To find certified safety courses, check boating laws, or review equipment requirements, visit the TPWD Boater Education Program.
