
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, July 4, 1995                   TAG: 9507050057
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-4   EDITION: HOLIDAY 
SOURCE: SHEBA WHEELER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

WATER-SKIER DIES AFTER CRASH INTO DOCK

A 25-year-old Lynchburg man died Sunday afternoon on Smith Mountain Lake after he crashed into his parents' dock at Driftwood Shores while water-skiing.

James Neil Novak was skiing on the Bedford side of the lake about 1:30 p.m. when he skied too close to the dock, witnesses told authorities.

According to Lt. Dennis Mullins of the state Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Novak hit the dock, striking his head and the left side of his body. He was unconscious when friends and family pulled him from the water.

After Moneta rescuers administered CPR and other treatment, Novak was transferred to Bedford Memorial Hospital. He never regained consciousness and soon after was pronounced dead.

Authorities said two more witnesses must be interviewed before they decide whether to file any charges.

Novak is the son of Neil Edward and Dorothy McFaden Novak.

Keywords:
FATALITY

by CNB