Lafayette Man Loses Part of Leg in Lake Shafer Boat Crash

A Lafayette man remains in serious condition after a Memorial Day boat crash on Lake Shafer. 31 year-old Jason Mellendore of Lafayette struck a pier while being towed on a tube. He required emergency surgery and lost the lower part of one of his legs due to his injuries. During the investigation of the accident, authorities were told by several occupants of the ski boat that 24 year-old Britany Mentel of Lafayette was driving the boat during the accident. It was later determined that all of the adults in the boat fabricated their story, and that the boat was being driven by 59 year-old John Mentel of Monticello.  The investigation resulted in the arrests of Mentel and 23 year-old Cole Hartman of Delphi for Misdemeanor False Informing. The investigation is ongoing.