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Mercer County man arrested in deadly Herrington Lake boat crash

Herrington Lake, July 4, 2026. A boat involved in the crash that killed one person is brought to shore.
WKYT
Herrington Lake, July 4, 2026. A boat involved in the crash that killed one person is brought to shore.

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife arrested Cody Casey Monday evening. He faces nine charges, including second-degree manslaughter, first-degree assault, wanton endangerment and charges related to leaving the scene and failing to render aid.

The arrest comes the same day a lawsuit was filed against Casey by families involved in the crash.

The lawsuit alleges Casey was driving a 2017 Axis watercraft recklessly, performing donuts and other erratic maneuvers before hitting a stationary pontoon boat head-on.

The collision killed 25-year-old Nazar Svintozelskiy and injured others.

The lawsuit accuses Casey of fleeing the scene without providing aid. It seeks damages for negligence and other claims.

Casey’s bond is set at one-million dollars cash.

Karyn Czar has been a journalist with WUKY since 2013 and is currently the Assistant News Director. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky and brings more than 30 years of broadcast experience to NPR. Karyn's work has been recognized with numerous Associated Press, Kentucky Broadcaster Association, Public Media Journalist, and Edward R. Murrow awards throughout her career.