KY man killed in boating accident at Laurel River Lake. His brother was charged
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- Don Peace charged with boating DUI homicide after fatal crash on Laurel River Lake
- John Peace died from propeller wounds; officials reported alcohol odor at scene
- Don Peace held on $100,000 bond; prior DUI conviction cited from 2022 case
A Kentucky man died Tuesday in a boating accident on Laurel River Lake, according to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources’ law enforcement division.
The victim’s brother, 53-year-old Don Peace, is accused of operating the boat while intoxicated. Fish and wildlife law enforcement said Peace is charged with vehicular homicide when under the influence of alcohol and first-degree operating a boat/watercraft while intoxicated or under the influence.
The incident happened shortly before 5 p.m. on Laurel River Lake, near the Marsh Branch boat ramp. John Peace, 53, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Laurel County coroner, according to WKYT.
Don Peace’s arrest citation says his brother suffered cuts to the head from the boat’s propeller. Investigators spoke with Don Peace and two other witnesses at the scene, all of whom said Don Peace was driving the boat when the incident occurred.
Don Peace and the two witnesses also had a strong odor of alcohol, according to court documents. Investigators spoke to Don Peace and he refused to take field sobriety tests but agreed to take a preliminary breath test.
When the breath test showed signs of alcohol, Don Peace completed field sobriety tests. Court documents say the tests indicated the presence of alcohol.
Don Peace’s bond is set at $100,000, according to court records. His next scheduled court appearance is a preliminary hearing Tuesday.
Don Peace was previously convicted of aggravated DUI in 2022. Court documents say he drove erratically after consuming six to seven drinks, and later posted a 0.192 blood alcohol level — more than twice the legal limit to drive — in a preliminary breath test.
Don Peace was sentenced to 30 days of home incarceration and fined $200, according to court records.
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