Staunton Star - Times - Published in the Interest of the Staunton Community for Over 143 Years

A boating accident at Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri claimed the life of Staunton resident Timothy Ridens, age 41.

Ridens was boating on the lake with three friends as pas- sengers aboard Ridens's 1994 cigarette speed boat on Friday evening. It was reported by the Missouri State Highway Patrol that Ridens was driving too fast for conditions and was ejected from his boat after hit- ting a wake at approximately 6:45 p.m.

Ridens's body was recovered from the lake on Saturday, July 30, and he was pronounced deceased at 11:05 a.m. by the Camden County medical examiner. His body was trans- ported to Hedges-Scott Funeral Home in Camdenton, Mo. Passengers Drew Baugh, age 25, of Dorsey, and Brett Wes- sel, age 36, of Edwardsville, both received serious injuries after falling and coming into contact with the boat. They were both transferred to Lake Regional Hospital. The third passenger, Keith Chandler, age 50, of Edwardsville received only minor injuries and refused treatment.

Investigators say the acci- dent happened on the 8-mile mark of the Osage Arm in Camden County. None of the men were wearing safety de- vices. The boat received minor damage and was driven from the scene.

Tim Ridens is a 1999 gradu- ate of Staunton High School. He was married to the former Buffy Struebig, and his parents are Larry and Diane Ridens of rural Worden.