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The sailing community in Texax, USA, and all over the world, is reeling after three Boy Scouts died after a sailing tragedy in East Texas on Saturday the 5th of August. The mast of their catamaran struck an overhead transmission power line and electrocuted the boys. Two of the Scouts, Heath Faucheux aged 16 and Will Brannon aged 17 died at the scene of the unfortunate accident. The third Boy Scout, Thomas Larry aged only 11, succumbed to his injuries in hospital the following Monday. Will Brannon was the son of the troop’s Scoutmaster Stan Brannon.
A Catastrophic Day for Troop 620
The Boy Scouts were from Hallsville Troop 620 group and were enjoying a troop camp-out at a lake in East Texas. The two older boys, who had advanced to Eagle Scout rank, took the younger scout out on Lake O’ The Pines to an alcove called Alley Creek where they were teaching him more about sailing. The tragedy occurred when the 30-foot mast of their sailboat hit a power line. The three boys received massive shocks and two were found dead at the scene by game wardens.
Paying Respects
On Sunday the 6th of August over 300 people paid their respects to the fallen Boy Scouts and offered prayers for Thomas, who was still alive at the time. Mayor Steve Eitelman expressed his shock and said that the entire town is involved with setting up meal trains and creating a donation page for the bereaved families. Folks in Hallsville have known the boys since they were Cub Scouts, and as young men of integrity. Troop 201 Scoutmaster Doug Wiley said that the Hallsville community will feel the loss for years to come.