Jet Ski collision hurts Poplar Bluff man, brother

DONIPHAN, Mo. -- A pair of brothers were injured during the Fourth of July holiday when their Jet Skis collided on the Current River 4 miles south of Doniphan.

At about 1:15 p.m. Friday, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that Joey T. Githens was operating a 2008 Kawasaki personal watercraft westbound when he turned into the path of a southbound 1998 Seadoo personal watercraft, causing a collision.

"They were just going down the river; one [Joey Githens] took a right-hand turn and didn't know where the other [jet ski] was," said trooper J.T. Wilson, who described the river traffic as moderate to busy Friday.

The 37-year-old Poplar Bluff, Missouri, man and his 44-year-old brother, Jeffrey Githens of Atlanta were thrown from their Jet Skis; both were wearing life jackets, Wilson said.

Joey Githens, Wilson said, had visible injuries to his leg and was flown to Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau for what were described as moderate injuries.

The elder Githens sustained minor injuries. He reportedly refused treatment at the scene.

Pertinent address:

Doniphan, Mo.