Girl killed, father's leg severed in Texan houseboat accident
A little girl has been killed and her father severely disfigured after a houseboat ran over them while they swam in a Texan lake.
Kaitlyn Oliver, 4, and her father Patrick, were swimming at Temple Lake Park when police say Jason Bernal ran over the duo with his recreational houseboat.
As Patrick Oliver tried to save his daughter, his legs were caught in the boat's propellor.
Doctors later had to amputate both legs.
In a GoFundMe page set up to help the grieving family with funeral expenses for Kaitlyn and medical expenses for her father, the little girl is described as an innocent, vivacious girl who "loved her dog, singing along to Frozen, and cuddling with her family."
"Kaitlyn was deeply loved by her parents, Patrick and Mary Ann, as well as her grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins."
The GoFundMe campaign has reached nearly $60,000 of its $250,000 target.
According to an arrest affadivit, Mr Bernal, 44, told local police that he was unable to see over his houseboat as he backed it up.
He said that he yelled "clear" before reversing.
The father and daughter were not swimming in a designated beach area, according to US Army Corps of Engineers Lake Manager Ronnie Bruggman.
Boat owners are allowed to approach shore in all areas apart from designated swimming regions, Mr Bruggman added.
Mr Bernal has been charged with criminally negligent homicide.
He has been released on $150,000 (USD) bail.
