Deputies from the Marine Enforcement Unit responded to a boat accident in California Bay on Lake Havasu 
DATE/TIME: June 23, 2019/ 12:49 pm
INCIDENT: Fatal Boating Accident
LOCATION: Lake Havasu/ California Bay
VICTIM: Ismael Aguilar Ortiz 26 year old male from Mesa, Arizona
SUMMARY: On Sunday, June 23, 2019 at approximately 12:49 pm, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department/ Colorado River Marine Enforcement Unit responded to a fatal boating accident in California Bay on Lake Havasu. The operator and 4 passengers left the Bridgewater Channel and headed south on Lake Havasu when the operator, Ismael Ortiz, stopped the vessel and jumped into the water to cool off. The vessel drifted away from Ortiz due to the high winds and waves. Ortiz was struggling when a female passenger placed the boat in reverse in attempt to get closer to Ortiz. The vessel was still in reverse when the female operator left the helm and attempted to assist Ortiz out of the water. Ortiz was later struck by the moving propeller of the vessel and later succumbed to his injuries. Alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the accident.
This accident is under investigation and any witnesses are urged to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office at (760)326-9200 with any information.
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Refer: Deputy William Poe
Station: Colorado River Station
Phone No. 760-326-9200
Case No. 251900039
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