Tragic Jet Ski Collision Claims Lives of Sarina Vootkur and Elle Kim on Lake Marie

The identities of the two teenage girls involved in a fatal jet ski accident in Antioch have been disclosed by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. The incident occurred on Tuesday at approximately 5:15 p.m. on Lake Marie, resulting in the deaths of 16-year-old Sarina Vootkur from Lake Forest, California, and 13-year-old Elle Kim from Long Grove, Illinois.

According to initial findings from authorities, Sarina Vootkur was operating a Yamaha jet ski with Elle Kim as a passenger. The tragic collision occurred as they were heading north near the channel to Grass Lake, just north of the Elime Road Peninsula.

At the same time, a 55-year-old man from Antioch was piloting a Sea Ray Cabin Cruiser westbound in the vicinity. Eyewitnesses reported that the jet ski approached the boat at a high speed, leading to an unavoidable collision between the two watercrafts.

Despite both girls wearing life vests, the impact of the collision caused them to be thrown into the water and rendered unconscious. The quick response of the four occupants aboard the boat was crucial, as they retrieved the girls from the water, promptly contacted emergency services, and provided immediate assistance.

Emergency responders transported Sarina Vootkur and Elle Kim to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville. Tragically, both girls were pronounced dead upon arrival. Autopsy results later confirmed that blunt force injuries sustained during the crash were the cause of death for both victims. Fortunately, no additional injuries were reported among those involved in the incident.

The community of Antioch and surrounding areas mourns the loss of Sarina Vootkur and Elle Kim, as investigations into the circumstances surrounding the tragic accident continue. Authorities remind boaters and jet ski operators to exercise caution and observe safety regulations on Lake Marie and other waterways, especially during peak recreational seasons.

For those affected by this heartbreaking incident, grief counseling and support services are being made available to assist friends, family, and witnesses coping with the aftermath of this devastating event.