On July 5, 2026, a family outing at Patoka Lake in Indiana took a devastating turn when five-year-old Jentry Pace was struck by a boat propeller. What should have been a fatal injury instead became a story of survival that has moved an entire community. Jentry’s father, Ohio Township Fire Department Captain John Pace, responded immediately, pulling his son from the water and applying a tourniquet with assistance from conservation officers Joe Haywood and Tanner Doane who were nearby. The rapid, decisive action in those critical first moments likely saved Jentry’s life.
After being airlifted to Norton Children’s Hospital in Louisville, Jentry underwent multiple surgeries for his life-threatening injuries. More than a week later, the young boy is showing remarkable improvement and is on the road to recovery. The conservation officers and medical professionals involved all used the same word to describe Jentry’s survival: miracle. Officer Joe Haywood said, “If you saw what I saw that day, it is a miracle Jentry’s alive.” For first responders, pediatric emergencies hit differently. Officer Tanner Doane reflected on the intensity of the moment, saying the severity of the injuries meant every single minute mattered.
Jentry’s story resonates beyond just his family and community. For those of us who enjoy boating and water activities, especially here on Florida’s Gulf Coast, it’s a powerful reminder that water safety isn’t just about following rules, it’s about protecting the people we love. The Pace family has received tremendous community support through fundraisers and donation efforts. What water safety lesson or personal emergency story has stuck with you? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
