LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A man was killed Saturday while driving a vintage hydroplane on the Ohio River during a test run for the Madison Regatta in Madison, Indiana. 

The driver was identified as Rick Beatty of Dayton, Ohio. 

According to Jefferson County Coroner Rodney May, Beatty hit a wake and was ejected out of the hydroplane's open cockpit.

He was pulled from the water and transported to Kings Daugther’s Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 12:06 p.m. 

The accident happened during an exhibition of some older boats.

The president of the Madison Regatta, Matt True, says Sunday's Gold Cup, a race of more modern boats, will go on in Beatty's honor. 

"After talking to some of his boat crew, you know, they relayed to us, you know, he would want us to go on, you know, he would be marching right back out there and getting in his boat if it was somebody else," True said. 

Those who knew Beatty say he was an avid hydroplane enthusiast. 

"There's a danger. We live in a society where your life, it's at risk," Ohio boater Bill McTague said. "This is not a risk we have to take, but a man who owns 11 boats, he loves it." 

McTague said what happened on the water Saturday seems to be a freak accident, because water conditions were good.

"I know Rick did not wake up this morning and did not think this was gonna be his last day on earth," McTague said. "But I gotta believe he would rather it be this than sitting at his desk working or cutting his grass or something."

Related stories:

Copyright 2019 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.