Victim of fatal boat crash identified
STAFF REPORTS
Monday, July 13, 2009 9:31 PM MST
The victim of a fatal boat crash that occurred Saturday on the Colorado River has been identified as 23-year-old David Kerber, of Moreno Valley, Calif., according to San Bernardino County Coroner officials.
Kerber was reportedly operating a 1999 Lavey Craft powerboat southbound on the river at approximately 3:26 p.m. when he passed a 1989 Caribbean powerboat operated by Michael Coleman, who also was traveling southbound. Kerber collided with a 2001 Warlock powerboat operated by Joel Patterson, who was traveling northbound.
Coleman, who followed Kerber in a southward direction, attempted to maneuver around the two-boat crash but to no avail, according to a press release issued by the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department.
Kerber was ejected from his boat and was later found floating facedown in the river, authorities reported. His remains were recovered at approximately 6 p.m. Sunday, and he was pronounced dead at that time.
A passenger in Kerber’s boat received minor injuries and was treated by medical personnel at the scene, authorities reported.
Five passengers from the Warlock boat were injured and treated at Havasu Regional Medical Center, officials said. The operator of the Warlock, Patterson, was reportedly airlifted to Sunrise Medical Center via medical helicopter for treatment of internal injuries.
One passenger from the Caribbean vessel received injuries to her head and was treated by medical personnel at the scene, the press release said.
Alcohol is reportedly believed to be a factor in the collision but no arrests have been made pending the ongoing investigation. The accident is being investigated by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and is expected to take some time to recreate the events of the incident in its entirety because of the complexity of the accident, said SBCSD public information officer Sgt. Dave Phelps Monday.
Sad sad stuff here and when its this close to our group it really makes ya think. We will be in the gorge friday but stopping to anchor in the little sandbar just before the no wake zone. You can bet your ass we will be really paying attention and staying sober...
