GRAPEVINE, TX — A tragic hit-and-run on Grapevine Lake has left an 18-year-old kayaker dead and authorities scrambling to locate the jet ski operator responsible.
The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon, May 25, when the teen—identified as Caleb Cormier of Fort Worth—was kayaking near Meadowmere Park on the north end of the lake. Witnesses say a jet ski traveling at high speed struck Cormier’s kayak and fled the scene without stopping to help.
Emergency Response and Death Confirmed
First responders were called to the scene shortly after 2:15 p.m. Emergency crews located the victim with critical injuries and transported him to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Officials from the Grapevine Police Department and Texas Parks and Wildlife are leading the investigation.
Search for the Jet Ski Operator
Witnesses described the jet ski involved as dark-colored, possibly black or navy, and traveling at an unsafe speed for the recreational zone. The operator was reported to have fled the scene immediately following the collision without rendering aid or stopping to call for help.
Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby docks and seeking additional eyewitness accounts. The operator may face felony charges including failure to stop and render aid and criminally negligent homicide.
Community Mourning and Safety Concerns
The victim, Caleb Cormier, had just graduated high school and was planning to attend college in the fall. Family and friends gathered for a candlelight vigil on Sunday evening along the lake’s shore.
“He loved the water and being outdoors. This should have never happened,” said one family member during the vigil.
The incident has reignited local concerns about jet ski regulation and water safety enforcement on North Texas lakes, especially during busy holiday weekends.
How You Can Help
- If you were at Grapevine Lake on Saturday and saw the incident or the fleeing jet ski, contact the Grapevine Police Department.
- Tips can be submitted anonymously via Crime Stoppers or by calling the police tip line.
What safety measures should be in place for personal watercraft on public lakes?
We invite your thoughts in the comments section—join the community conversation.
Sources:
- 11Alive – Kayaker killed in Grapevine Lake hit-and-run
- The Mirror – Teen kayaker killed in tragic crash
- ABC News – Police search for suspect in fatal jet ski crash
