Teen Missing After Boating Accident

Madison County 05/22/05 Teen Missing After Boating Accident Email to a Friend Printer Friendly Version By Andrew Hasbun andrew@wlbt.net Workers scoured Lake Caroline Sunday for Lanie Kealhofer, 16, a sophomore at Madison Central High School. Kealhofer, two teenage boys, and a 17-year-old female friend were enjoying a day on the lake, when authorities say they may have hit a wake. The two girls, sitting in the front of the boat, were thrown overboard. Emergency workers believe the 17-year-old may have hit the propeller, severing part of her leg. She is recovering at University Medical Center. Crews from across Madison county, including a dive team, searched the lake Sunday, but found no sign of Kealhofer. As news spread, friends and family flocked to Lake Caroline. "I found out at church and we just came out to offer some support," said Renee Buckner. Friends from Madison Central High School waited all day for some sign of their friend. Many spent Sunday night at Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Madison. "Typically you don't need to worry about these things," said Bucker, whose daughter is friends with the victims. "It's just a freak accident." According to students at the high school, the 17-year-old victim is scheduled to graduate this Saturday and attend Stamford University this fall. Kealhofer was involved in Madison Central's drama and dance departments. One man described her as the daughter every father wishes for. Kealhofer is also close friends with the family of WLBT morning news anchor Jack Hobbs, who was on the scene Sunday night. He asked for prayers for Kealhofer and her family. http://www.wlbt.com/Global/story.asp?S=3377821&nav=2CSfaAXL