Overloaded Boat Cause of Niangua River Deaths

The Missouri Water Patrol says a January accident that killed 4 members of one family, was probably caused by an overloaded boat. According to KSPR, 68-year-old David Dixon, 62-year-old Doyle Cowin, 43-year-old Hubert Highfill and 11-year-old Jesse Highfill, all of Fair Grove, were on the Niangua River January 28 celebrating Jesse’s birthday with a fishing trip. The boy, his father, his grandfather and his great uncle all died when their boat capsized in the cold water. The Water Patrol says in addition to passengers, the boat was also carrying a generator, a marine battery, a trolling motor and other gear.