One killed, two injured in July 12 boating accident
John Mullen • July 14, 2020
All three were ejected from the boat in the accident
(OBA®) – A man killed in a boating accident on July 12 near Sapling Point in Wolf Bay has been identified by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency as Shannon Clark, 53, of Plainview, Texas. Friends said he moved fulltime to Orange Beach this spring.
Injured in the accident were Forrest Benner, 54, and Kellie Benner, 49, both listed as Orange Beach residents. Forrest Benner is in Sacred Heart in Pensacola in stable condition and Kellie Benner is in University Hospital in Mobile and listed in critical condition. Both suffered injuries caused by the boat's propeller.
“It was a single vessel that somehow lost control, all passengers were ejected from the boat,” Orange Beach Assistant Fire Chief Jeff Smith said. “There was one victim that was deceased and two victims taken to hospitals.”
Both police and fire units from Orange Beach were involved in the response as was the Alabama Marine Police, officials said.
“It was just outside of Wolf Bay in the ICW,” Battalion Chief Jonathan Wells said. “We treated and transported two patients. The bystanders said the boat was going around and around. The bystanders said that boat was going full throttle and going around and around.”
Smith said he had no direct knowledge nor was it in any Orange Beach reports if a kill switch on the vessel possibly malfunctioned.
“Normally boats come with kill switches and if the operator moves the length of that kill switch it can disable it and shuts the motor down,” Smith said.
Orange Beach Police responded with three officers aboard Marine 1 which transported the deceased to the Alabama Marine Police office at Perdido Pass where he was given to the coroner.
Share this article w/ Friends...
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley has opened a new campus for city departments serving its growing population. The 14-acre Foley Public Works Campus consolidates several operations in one location. The five-building facility houses the city’s Public Works, Engineering, Sanitation and Street departments. City officials, empl
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — National Parks and Recreation Month is wrapping up in Orange Beach, and the city is going out strong. Orange Beach Parks and Recreation has lined up a final round of events to close out the month-long celebration. The city has spent July honoring the role of community and belonging. Reside
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The Gulf Coast Chamber's Island Spirit Award committee, presented by Bluewater Exteriors, announced that Rocio Miranda-Garcia of De Soto's Seafood Kitchen is the June 2026 winner. Miranda-Garcia was honored for her outstanding service and dedication to her customers and community. The award
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Baldwin County has opened a free cooling center in Foley in response to dangerous heat affecting the area. The center is at St. Paul's Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 506 N. Pine St., Foley. It will be open Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pets are welcome, provided they remain under their
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Whether you’re a local hunting for something fresh or a visitor eager to make the most of your beach holiday, you’ve come to the right place. This week’s lineup is full of adventures that make the Alabama Gulf Coast unforgettable–hands-on animal encounters, free family fun under the stars,
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The Gulf Shores City Council will meet to address a packed agenda of municipal resolutions, public infrastructure updates, and local tourism initiatives. The meeting's formal presentations will open with Pastor Jim Kinder of Orange Beach Church, who will deliver the invocation, followed by
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The Salty Kidz Rodeo is returning to Gulf State Park Pier. Organizers say they cannot wait to welcome families to the Gulf Coast. The annual event has become a beloved tradition for families in the area. This year promises an exciting day of fishing, fun, and lasting memories.
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Gulf of Mexico is an ecosystem defined by its resilience, having endured one of the most significant man-made environmental disasters in history: the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Beginning on April 20, 2010, this catastrophic event released nearly 4.9 million barrels of oil into the Gul
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Registered voters in Baldwin County Voting Precinct 61 are receiving updated voter information cards. The precinct is in the Foley area. The update follows a name change at the precinct’s polling place. County officials said the physical voting site has not changed.
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Gulf Shores will host the 19th annual Brett/Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon in September. Organized by Magic Sports USA, the event draws athletes from across the region to compete along the Alabama Gulf Coast. Racers can choose sprint and Olympic distances, as well as relay formats for t
