A 14-year-old boy was killed and his teen brother seriously injured after an out-of-control jet ski crashed into their boat while the pair were fishing.

The tragic event took place in the Manatee River, in the US State of Florida on 15th July.

The two were reportedly sitting in an anchored boat when a 45-year-old unidentified man operating the jet ski collided with them.

The crash killed Hunter Ganey while his brother James Ganey, 17, ended up with severe injuries and had to be rushed to Tampa General Hospital.

Hunter would have been a freshman at high school this coming fall.

James was left with injuries to his head and the right side of his body and had to be placed in a medically-induced coma but doctors said he will likely survive.

He is so far unaware that the accident claimed the life of his beloved sibling.

Meanwhile, their family are struggling to deal with the tragic loss.

Both their parents have taken an unknown amount of time from work to help their 17-year-old recover.

Katie Shewbridge, wife of the boys’ uncle, has set up a USD-25,000 (GBP-19,340) GoFundMe campaign hoping to aid the grief-stricken parents with medical and funeral expenses.

Katie wrote in the fundraiser: “I am writing this with a heavy heart. On Saturday, 07/15/23 the Ganey family had to endure what is the greatest fear to all families and parents.

“James ( 17 years old) and Hunter ( 14 years old) were involved in a tragic boating accident that left James in critical condition and Hunter without his life.

“James is currently in ICU at Tampa General Hospital with an outcome that is still yet to be known. (…)

“Hunter was quite the outdoorsman and such a caring young man who loved fishing.

!He leaves behind his immediate family, which includes his mother, Katie, father, Ray, brother, James, sister, Mackenzie, brother, Colton.

“During this time Ray and Katie are out of work for an unknown amount of time to care for James and the rest of the family.

“James will have a long road of recovery ahead of him.

“This memorial fund will not only help cover the costs of the funeral expenses but the bills that will accrue with recovery and time out of work.

“Any amount of donation is greatly appreciated.”

Meanwhile, the condition of the 45-year-old who operated the jet ski is still unknown.

The case is being investigated by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Additional information will be available pending the outcome of the investigation.