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2 Dead After Boat Accident, Victims Identified

By Rachel Slavik, WCCO-TV  

ALEXANDRIA, Minn. (WCCO) -- Investigators are trying to figure out what caused a deadly boating accident in Alexandria.

Two people were killed, and four others hurt when the watercraft crashed on Lake Victoria on Saturday.

The calm water of Lake Victoria is a constant draw during the summer months.

"It's a very popular area for boating," said Sgt. Brad Brejcha of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.

Mathew Spletzer, 30, Nicole Getz, 27, joined four other friends for a day on the water.

As the day came to an end, their 24-foot boat somehow crashed into two boat lifts and hit a tree. Spletzer and Getz were killed.

"The group she was with lived on the lake in a big boat. That was their summer fun," said Jerome Getz, Nicole's father. "Went over their own wake and got airborne."

Matt's family said he loved the outdoors and loved to be with friends.  Nicole's family remembered a fun loving person who was ready for anything.

"She was a kind person.  She'd do anything for anyone," said Getz.

"We just want everyone to use safety so we don't have to tell parents of a 27-year-old they've lost a child," said Sgt. Brejcha.

With summer just beginning, Nicole's family hopes their loss is a reminder to others who plan to spend time on the water this summer.

"Just be conscience of what you're doing. No brakes on water. There's no forgiveness. Just happens in a split second and you're done," said Getz.

Investigators say alcohol was on the boat.  Friends say Nicole was driving and had a drink or two, but they say she was not drunk.

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