Harrodsburg man indicted in Herrington Lake boating collision

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 19, 2026) - Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Game Wardens arrested Cody Casey, 34, of Harrodsburg, on an indictment warrant in connection with the July 4 boating incident on Herrington Lake. Casey was charged with operating a wake boat that struck a pontoon boat, resulting in the death of Nazar Svintozelskiy, 25, of Nicholasville. The victim's father, Alex Svintozelskiy, 58, was hospitalized following the incident with serious injuries.

The 19-count indictment was returned by the Mercer County Grand Jury on Aug. 18. Casey faces charges of second-degree manslaughter, first-degree assault, third-degree fleeing or evading police, 11 counts of first-degree wanton endangerment, tampering with physical evidence, fourth-degree assault, failure to render aid, failure to report an accident involving more than $500 in property damage or involving injury or death, and leaving the scene of an accident involving death.

The indictment follows an investigation led by Kentucky game wardens in collaboration with the Mercer County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office.

The investigation determined that on July 4, a wake boat operated by Casey impacted and overrode a pontoon boat operated by Alex Svintozelskiy, 58, of Nicholasville, on Herrington Lake.

Alex Svintozelskiy was seriously injured in the collision, and Nazar Svintozelskiy, a passenger on the pontoon boat, was ejected into the water. His body was recovered from Herrington Lake on Monday, July 6.

Game wardens have continued to gather and evaluate evidence since the collision. Thirteen search warrants have been sought and executed, witnesses have been interviewed, and multiple items of evidence have been submitted for forensic and evidentiary testing.

The indictment represents the next step in the legal process. An indictment is an accusation by a grand jury and is not a finding of guilt. Casey is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Because the case is now pending before the court, investigators and prosecutors will not release additional details that could affect the integrity of the legal proceedings or the presentation of evidence in court.

“The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources appreciates the public's patience as this investigation has progressed. With the magnitude of this case, we have continued to prioritize accuracy and completeness over speed," said Col. Jeremy McQueary, head of Law Enforcement for Kentucky Fish and Wildlife.

Anyone with information about the July 4 boating collision who has not yet spoken with investigators is asked to contact Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement through Kentucky State Police Post 7 at 859-623-2404.​​