An Acworth father and son were killed in an accident while riding a personal watercraft Friday afternoon.

John Wernowsky, 51, and his 10-year-old son, Jake, struck the fishing pier at the Wildlife Resource Commission Boat Ramp in North Carolina, according to WWAY-TV.

Both are believed to have died from blunt force trauma.

The accident happened about 2:20 p.m. Friday and also injured two other people, who were on a nearby personal watercraft, according to WECT.

Wernowski’s wife and daughter had already come up to the dock, the news station reported. Wernowsky and his son were on a second watercraft. They both grabbed onto the dock, but when someone hit the throttle, the watercraft hit the fishing pier 50 feet in front of them.

A town spokesperson said that pier is closed until further notice and will remain closed through Memorial Day.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Mayor Andre Dickens speaks at his election day watch party at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Atlanta on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, after winning a second term. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

Featured

Ceudy Gutierrez reads a book to her 2-year-old son, Matias, at their home in Buford, GA, on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. Ceudy Gutierrez is struggling to make ends meet for herself and her three young kids following her husband’s ICE arrest earlier this fall. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez