Wisconsin Rapids Man Fined for 4th of July Boating Accident

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Posted: 8:01 PM Jul 27, 2006 Wisconsin Rapids Man Fined for 4th of July Boating Accident A young Wisconsin Rapids man is being fined nearly $600 for his role in a July 4 boating accident. His friend drowned when the boat he was driving sank. Reporter: Angela Salscheider

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Twenty-two-year-old James Walrath did not show up for his court appearance Thursday, but a judge found him guilty of driving the boat drunk and loading it with too many people.

Walrath was driving the boat with eight people inside, when it sank near Hanson Park. D.N.R. officials say it was filled to more than double its capacity.

Walrath's friend, 19-year-old Zack Badker, drowned after the incident.

The Wood County District Attorney is still going over the D.N.R. reports, to see if he'll file any criminal charges.