Sanford Man Dies in Boating Accident on Toddy Pond in Orland

A Sanford man died after a boat he was traveling in was struck by a jet ski on Toddy Pond in Orland.

The Maine Warden Service reports 26-year-old Ryan Conary of Sanford was part of a gathering of family and friends when the accident happened. Conary was on the stern of a 23-foot water skiing boat at around 1 p.m. when it was struck from behind by a jet ski, being driven by a 17-year-old woman who was also part of the group. Officials say the two watercraft were traveling through a headway speed portion of Toddy Pond, with the boat leading the way. Suddenly, the 2020 Seadoo abruptly accelerated and crashed into the stern of the 23 foot Yamaha AR 230 ski boat. Wardens say headway speed is defined as the minimum speed necessary to maintain steerage and control of the watercraft while it's moving.

Conary was on the back of the boat with several others, dangling their feet in the water, when the jet ski hit it, and he was thrown into the water with some of the others. Conary was not wearing a life jacket. A 13-year-old boy who was wearing a life jacket was also injured by the jet ski and was taken to Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center with leg, head, and possible internal injuries. Conary's body was recovered at approximately 2:30 p.m.

Officials say there were 13 people aboard the 23-foot water skiing boat, and a driver and passenger on the jet ski. The accident remains under investigation by the Maine Warden Service.