A boating accident near Big River Park claims the life of a 30 year old woman 
DATE/TIME: August 5, 2017/6:29 P.M.
INCIDENT: Boat Accident
LOCATION: Big River Park/ Colorado River
INVOLVED PARTY: Umberto Bagnara, 52 years old, resident of Beaumont, California
VICTIM: Tasha Turner, 30 years old, resident of Hemet, California
SUMMARY:
On August 5, 2017 at approximately 6:29 PM, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department/Colorado River Boating Deputies responded to a fatal boating accident near the Big River Park on the Colorado River. The operator, Umberto Bagnara, and 6 passengers left the launch ramp at Big River Park in a 19' closed bow vessel to go tubing. During the trip, the vessel lost power and became swamped and started to sink. Six of the passengers were able to swim away from the vessel but the victim, later identified as Tasha Turner, became tangled in the ski rope that was attached to the vessel. Tasha was unable to free herself from the rope and was pulled under the water’s surface as the vessel sank. Dive members from the La Paz County Sheriff's Office located the vessel and due to the strong current, water and lighting conditions, dive missions were canceled until the morning.
On August 6, 2017 at approximately 7:00 a.m., Colorado River Station Boating Deputies and Department dive rescue members responded back the scene of the accident. With the assistance of the La Paz County Sheriff's Office and Buckskin Fire Department, Tasha Turner and the vessel involved were recovered from the water. The investigation is ongoing at this time.
Anyone with information regarding the investigation is asked to contact Deputy William Poe of the Colorado River Station/ Marine Enforcement Unit at (760) 326-9200. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous is asked to contact WE TIP at 800-78-CRIME or via their website at www.wetip.com
For press releases, news, and information follow the Colorado River Station on Twitter at: @CORiverStation
Refer: Deputy William Poe
Station: Colorado River Station/ San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department
Phone No. 760-326-9200
Case No. 251700068
JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
Address/Location
SBSD - Colorado River Sheriffs Department
1111 Bailey Ave
Needles, CA 92363
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1