On Sunday, October 11, two people were killed in a boat crash on Lake Austin.

According to Austin police, the crash happened at around 5 a.m. before dawn when 50 year old Shawn Hurwitz, the CEO of Maxxam Inc in Houston was driving a boat on the lake and collided with a barge and began to sink. Hurwitz died at the scene around an hour later and a passenger, 34 year old Jennifer Walley, was flown to University Medical Center Brackenridge where she also died from her injuries. Two more males and one female were also taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

Authorities said that although life jackets were on the vessel, only one person was wearing one and neither of those who died had life jackets on. It is felt that had they been wearing them they might not have died.

Hurwitz was the son of Houston billionaire, 75 year old Charles Hurwiz, the founder of Maxxam and took over from his father as CEO in 2007. He was also an instrumental founder of commercial horse racing in Texas. He was known for his generous spirit and big heart and dedicated to education.

If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident our Houston accident attorneys can help you recover maximum compensation from the automaker and others along the supply chain. Please call the Almaraz Law Firm PLLC, at 1-800-247-WRECK or contact us online today.