Glen Allen High School student dies in boating accident
Julia Budzinski was the daughter of Toronto Blue Jays first base coach Mark Budzinski
HENRICO, Va. (WWBT) - The community is mourning the death of a 17-year-old Glen Allen High School student.
Julia Budzinski died in a boating accident on Saturday, July 2. The Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) says Julia was out boating on the James River with friends and family. Julia and another girl were in a tube being pulled by the boat after the two fell off.
The person driving the boat was on his way back to get them out of the water when the boat hit a wave causing it to be pushed on top of Julia striking her with the propellor.
The boat driver immediately jumped into the water to rescue her along with another passing boat driver. Once they got her out of the water they rushed back for help. She died due to her injuries.
DWR says everyone was wearing a lifejacket and alcohol was not a factor in the accident.
Julia was the daughter of Toronto Blue Jays first base coach Mark Budzinski.
The Blue Jays held a moment of silence before Sunday’s game with the Tampa Bay Rays.
In a statement, the team said Budzinski took a leave of absence following his daughter’s death.
A scholarship fund has been created in Julia’s honor. Information on the fund can be found, HERE.
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