NEWMAN LAKE -- Pleading for forgiveness from his wife while slurring his speech, a Newman Lake man frantically attempted to apply pressure to stop the bleeding from his wife's severed arm.

KREM 2

Robert Kienel spoke to KREM 2 News about the boating accident at Newman Lake Thursday that resulted in a propeller severing his wife's arm.

Robert Kienel was released from the Spokane County Jail on his own recognizance after he was arrested for "assault by watercraft" on his wife, Alana Kienel.

On Thursday, both sides of the family re-iterated that the incident was not intentional and that they forgive Robert Kienel.

Despite that, an affidavit of probable cause released Thursday said Robert Kienel was driving the boat with a blood-alcohol content of .096. Authorities say he took a turn to hard, she was thrown from the bow and had her arm cut off by the boat's propeller.

Alana Kienel is listed in serious condition at Sacred Heart Medical Center.

The limb apparently sank and has not been found.

A deputy on the scene said Kienel showed signs he was intoxicated and that the floor of the boat was littered with empty beer and wine containers.

Deputies seized the boat as evidence.

A sheriff's deputy who responded to the scene said Robert Kienel had bloodshot, watery eyes, slurred speech, unstable balance and "a medium odor of intoxicants on his breath," according to the affidavit.

Assault by watercraft is a Class C felony. Bow-riding is against the law in the State of Washington.

Memorial Fund

A fund has been set up for the Kienel family at all Washington State Employee's Credit Union Branches. The name of the account is: "Alana Kienel Donations Account."

A fundraising dinner is set for June 7 at 5 p.m. at the "Season Ticket" restaurant across the street from the Spokane Arena.