Local chef hit in face by boat propeller on St. Croix River

UPDATE: The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the identity of the man hospitalized this past weekend after a boat accident on the St. Croix River near Stillwater.

The sheriff’s office confirmed Justin Sutherland was the boater injured by propeller.

Sutherland is known in the Twin Cities for opening the restaurant Handsome Hog in St. Paul and also operating Obachan Noodles and Chicken, Chickpea Hummus Bar, The Gnome, Woodfire Cantina, and Gray Duck Tavern.

He competed on “Top Chef” and was also named an “Iron Chef America” winner.

A GoFundMe has been established to help Sutherland with medical costs.

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS reporter Alex Jokich is following this news Wednesday.

An earlier version of this report appears below.

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A St. Paul man was hospitalized this past weekend after a boat accident on the St. Croix River near Stillwater.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office says it was called at around 7:30 p.m. Sunday on a report of a man who’d been hit in the face by a boat propeller.

Authorities responded and found a 37-year-old man suffering from facial injuries. He was loaded into an ambulance in the 500 block of Alder Street and taken to a hospital for treatment.

The sheriff’s office says the man was conscious, breathing and talking with first responders at the time, and he’s expected to recover. The boat was rented by the man.

The incident was ruled an accident and no citations were issued.

Below are some important safety tips to keep in mind if you’re heading to a lake or pool this summer.

The American Red Cross suggests the following water safety tips:

• Swim in designated areas only.
• When children are swimming, it is best to never leave them unattended. The Red Cross also suggests putting young swimmers in a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal floatation device.
• Those swimming in an area without a lifeguard on duty are advised to use the buddy system.
• Make sure people present know how to respond to water emergencies by having proper safety equipment, first aid and CPR training.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources suggests the following boating safety tips:

• Those planning to go out on a boat are advised to wear a personal floatation device.
• Because use of alcohol is the number one factor in boating fatalities, it is suggested to avoid alcohol consumption.
• With changeable weather, check the forecast before going boating.
• Boaters should always tell a friend or family member where they plan to be when taking a boat out.