WAYNE TWP., Warren County — A woman being pulled on an inner tube at Caesar Creek State Park was severely injured when her legs became entangled in a boat's propeller Sunday, July 6.

Tracy L. Mackey, 39, of Trenton was thrown from an inner tube being pulled by a boat on the lake's north end about 6:15 p.m., said John Wisse, spokesman for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Watercraft.

Mackey began to panic in the choppy water as the boat circled back to pick her up, Wisse said.

Mackey suffered "severe lacerations" to both legs when she reached the boat before the driver cut the engine and she became ensnared in the propeller, Wisse said.

Mackey was flown via CareFlight helicopter to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton where she underwent surgery Sunday night. Her condition was unavailable, a hospital spokeswoman said.

Wisse was unsure if Mackey was wearing a life jacket at the time of the accident, which is being investigated by the Division of Watercraft.

"If you're pulled behind a boat for any reason you're required by state law to wear a life jacket," he said.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2511 or dwells@coxohio.com.