Teen killed in Lake Austin boat crash was incoming Lake Travis HS freshman

AUSTIN, Texas - Austin police confirmed the body of Kaden Forke, 14, was pulled from Lake Austin Monday evening following a boat crash Sunday evening. 

Forke was an incoming freshman at Lake Travis High School, set to begin classes on Wednesday.

"Austin-Travis County EMS was called back out to the scene [Monday] evening, and we obtained a deceased-on-scene pronouncement," said Capt. Darren Noak of Austin-Travis County EMS.

Forke’s body was found in the area of Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan Park, not far from the spot where the boat he was on with six others went over the wake from another boat and lost control Sunday evening.

Kaden Forke (Lake Travis ISD)

"It is basically a wide river, and it can get so crowded so fast, especially on a weekend where you've got boats passing for back and forth against each other," said Assistant Chief Ken Campbell with Austin Travis County ESD #10/Ce-Bar Fire Department.

Forke was thrown overboard into the water, as the boat careened into the bank. Four others were taken to a hospital with serious injuries, but crews were unable to find Forke immediately following the crash. His body was recovered about 24 hours later.

Kaden Forke’s death came on the heels for another deadly incident involving a boat and a jetski on Lake Travis Sunday afternoon.

"It is always distressing. It's part of the job, but it's ultimately upsetting," said Campbell.

"This weekend was a very deadly weekend on our area lakes," said Noak.

RELATED: Missing teen's body recovered, others injured after boat accident on Lake Austin

In light of these tragedies, local first responders are underscoring the importance of being aware of your surroundings on the water, including other boats and jetskis, and always wearing personal flotation devices.

"PFDs are the most vital thing you can have. And I don't mean in the boat somewhere where you can get to them if a bad thing happens, wearing them all the time," said Campbell.

Noak says if you do get into trouble, keep two things in mind: where you are, and who should call 911.

"Knowing your location and where you are, and being able to communicate that, is very important," said Noak. "Our preference of our call takers is to speak with the one person that's the closest person attending to or by the patient."

Kaden finished eighth grade in May at Hudson Bend Middle School where he participated in athletics and was a member of the Audio Visual Production/Broadcast program. 

Grief counselors will be on hand at Hudson Bend Middle School, Lake Travis High School and Lake Travis Elementary School—where Kaden’s mother also works—beginning Wednesday.

A GoFundMe has been set up in honor of Kaden benefiting his mother.

READ THE FULL LAKE TRAVIS ISD LETTER BELOW:

Dear Lake Travis ISD Staff, Parents and Guardians,

I hope you had a restful and relaxing summer with family, friends, and loved ones. A new school year typically begins with much energy and excitement. However, it is with sadness and a heavy heart in which I share with you that Kaden Forke, an incoming freshman at Lake Travis High School, passed away Sunday, August 13 as a result of critical injuries sustained in a boating accident on Lake Austin.

Kaden is what we refer to as an "LT Lifer." He began his academic journey as a prekindergarten student at Lake Travis Elementary. In May, Kaden completed the eighth grade at Hudson Bend Middle School where he participated in athletics and was a member of the Audio Visual Production/Broadcast program. His mother, Jennifer, currently serves as a monitor at LTE. Kaden’s passing is a tragic loss for our school community.

To assist our students and staff during this difficult time, our district’s crisis counseling teams will be available at LTE, HBMS, and LTHS beginning Wednesday, August 16. On behalf of the entire Lake Travis ISD family, I extend my sincere condolences to the Forke family. With funeral services pending, I ask that you please keep Kaden, his mother Jennifer, and their entire family in your thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,
Paul Norton
Superintendent of Schools