NEWS

Augusta mother and daughter die in Alabama following boating accident

Jozsef Papp
jpapp@augustachronicle.com
Lauren Cowart and her daughter Blakely. [WIER/STEWART FACEBOOK]

An Augusta woman and her daughter were killed in a boating accident Saturday.

Lauderdale County Coroner Butch Tucker said Lauren Cowart, 37, and Blakely Cowart, 5, died in an accident at the mouth of Shoals Creeks, just off Wilson Lake in Alabama. The accident occurred just before 11 p.m.

Ross Wooten, 33, was also in the boat and is currently in the hospital in critical condition, Tucker said. Wooten son's was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

“The four of them were in a small recreational craft and it was hit by a larger cabin cruiser," Tucker said.

Lauren and Blakeley are at the forensics lab of the Alabama Department of Public Health awaiting an autopsy. Lauren worked for Wier/Stewart, an Augusta advertising agency and creative firm. The company released a statement on Facebook.

"We are heartbroken at the loss of Lauren and Blakely," the post said. "Thank you to everyone who has reached out in prayer and support, we need it. Please continue to pray for Lauren and Blakely's family and the many people their lives touched."

The Richmond County School System sent condolences in a statement Monday. Blakely was a Pre-K student at Lake Forest Hills Elementary.

"We are all deeply saddened by this tragic event," the statement said. "As the school community processes the tragic news and copes with grief, we will offer resources and services to support all of our students and staff.”

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