A violent boat crash claimed the lives of a married couple Saturday when their speeding vessel went out of control on Fox River.
Footage from the horrific scene caught the moment the pair’s boat swerved out of the river onto the shore.
The boat then barreled 73 feet until it crashed into a residence. The impact of the collision split the vessel in half.
“The hull of the boat was separated into two pieces,” the Illinois Department of Natural Resources said.
Witnesses rushed to help the trapped pair from the wreckage. Julie Mertins, 61, was declared dead at the scene while her husband Timothy Mertins, 62, died during emergency surgery.
The Mertins were a month shy of celebrating their 33rd wedding anniversary. They were described as selfless and loving people.
“They did everything together from yard work to grocery shopping,” an obituary for the deceased couple read.
“If Tim was the Captain, Julie was First Mate, and they loved getting out on the water every chance they had.”
