It’s been nine years since my daughter Andrea’s accident. I’d like to tell you about her…

Andrea was 16 years and 40 days old. She was a vibrant, healthy, interesting teen. She enjoyed Montana, her many friends, and being a part of the activities of a large family. There was not a single day in those 16 years that I thought of not having her around.

From the time she was born she was all smiles and giggles – although I was told it was gas. She was liked by all, and was maturing into a beautiful woman. She was a tall and thin, 5’ 10” is what she claimed, but was closer to 6’, weighing a slight 140 lbs. She turned many heads, which often worried this mother. Her last day was a special day for us, it was her sister, Libby’s, 13th birthday (her only sibling). The family had gathered with friends to celebrate and enjoy the day.

A special boyfriend to Andrea was there, which pleased her. In the afternoon, the cousins and friends decided to go skiing. It was a wonderful way to cool off and have some fun. Andrea had learned to ski, and really enjoyed it. This time she rode in the boat, with her cousins, and the 19 yr old special friend drove the boat because he was use to driving and knew the river, the snags and sandbars.

They were pulling a skier when suddenly the skier fell. The driver of the boat turned to pick him up, when just as suddenly he felt a jolt to the prop on the motor. He thought he’d hit a rock. He cut the motor, and only then did he realize Andrea had fallen out of the boat. (She was in the open bow front section) He’d hit Andrea!

He jumped in the water and put his arm around her to pull her to shore, but he put his hand inside her nearly severed arm. She asked him “Is my arm still on?” He said yes, but of course it was just barely hanging by the flesh. She said, “What’s happening to me” He didn’t know. Then she said, “Hold me”. He looked into her eyes holding her as her eyes changed. He knew she was gone. She had bled to death.

I try not to think of the missed proms, graduation, wedding, and grandchildren. I focus on the love and smiles, the joy and sunshine she brought into our lives. That can never be taken away. Never! A memorial has been put up at the boat launch site in Great Falls, Montana. It has her picture engraved in granite, her birth (6-1-72) and death (7-10-88) date and boating safety rules.

Our hope is to remind others that the river can bring much joy and recreation to our lives. It is full of life, fishing, boating, skiing, sailing, etc, but it can be dangerous. We need to keep alert for the unsuspecting accidents that can change a beautiful birthday party into a death.

If propeller guards were in place, Andrea would have been bruised and possible had broken arms, but she would still be here. Please help to convince our law makers that we need prop guards. I hope and pray for this to be done in my lifetime! Thank you for letting my daughter’s life be remembered and perhaps prevent other’s deaths. I have a big space in my heart and life.

-Bonnie Terry

Your story of a propeller strike can help inform.

As a victim of a propeller strike, we know retelling your story is reliving it. This is hard. You want to put it behind you, focus on the healing, on the future and to make the best of what you have left. We respect that. However, you can help SPIN by telling your story. You may just reach out with the story that prevents the next accident and saves a future propeller victim. Your story will reach the U.S.Coast Guard and be available to policy makers and legislators.

You may contact us in many ways:

S.P.I.N. - Stop Propeller Injuries Now
2365 Conejo Court
Los Osos, CA, 93402
tel. 805-528-0554 - fax. 805-526-8756
email: info@spin-site.org

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