Carlos Hernandez ID’d as Boy Killed in Lake Palestine Boating Accident on Lakeside Drive in Flint

Smith County, Texas (June 4, 2019) – The boy who was killed Sunday night in a hit-and-run accident involving a boat on Lake Palestine has been identified as Carlos Hernandez, 14, according to the Smith County Sheriff’s Office.

The deadly accident was reported at about 8:00 p.m. Sunday, June 2 on the Lakeway Harbor boat ramp in the 22000 block of Lakeside Drive in Flint.

Authorities said Hernandez was swimming along with other children when a nearby dock was hit by a black boat with red flecks occupied by five people.

Hernandez was hit during the accident. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The suspect, identified as Jeffrey Joe Hampton, 31, fled the area in a red and black bass boat. He was located and was taken into custody on a warrant for manslaughter.

According to reports, Hampton was being held on a $750,000 bond. His bond has been raised to $850,000 with a new charge of failure to stop and render aid.

The crash remains under investigation.