Williams recovering from day-one accident
Kentucky native undergoing treatment after being ejected from boat during FLW Series Lake of the Ozarks event
OSAGE BEACH, Mo. – Veteran co-angler Leon Williams of Fairdale, Ky., is recovering at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Mo., after he and pro Tim Horton of Muscle Shoals, Ala., were thrown from Horton’s boat Wednesday afternoon during the opening round of FLW Series competition at Lake of the Ozarks.
The pair was returning to PB II-Grand Glaize Beach to weigh in their catch when, less than a mile from the marina, they struck a wave and were thrown from Horton’s boat.
According to Horton, they were running comfortably in 2-foot chop when they hit a 6-foot swell. The boat landed on its port side and the men were ejected upon impact.
Pro John Sappington of Willard, Mo., arrived on the scene minutes after the accident. He and co-angler Mike Lewis of Camdenton, Mo., pulled Horton and Williams from the water and helped the men back into Horton’s boat. Tournament officials were also notified and emergency services were immediately dispatched.
Missouri State Water Patrol officers responded to the accident as Horton and Williams were idling toward the marina. Williams was subsequently taken to Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach, Mo., and then transferred to St. John’s Hospital where he is currently undergoing tests.
According to Leon’s brother, Terry Williams, initial tests show damage to two vertebrae but no paralysis. “Leon is awake and has feeling in his feet,” Williams said.
Leon’s son, Tommy Williams, arrived at Leon’s bedside this morning after being notified of the accident by FLW Outdoors officials.
Horton did not sustain injuries, but he did withdraw from the tournament so that he could be at the hospital in Springfield with Williams. He stayed there through the night until Williams’ family arrived this morning.
The thoughts and prayers of the entire FLW Outdoors staff are with Williams and Horton. Updates will be posted to FLWOutdoors.com as they become available.