Full Notification

DATE/TIME: July 24, 2022 / 1:07 p.m.

INCIDENT: CVC 1144B - Fatal Boat Accident

LOCATION: Jenks Lake - Angelus Oaks, CA

SUSPECT(S): N/A

VICTIM(S): 23-year-old Male Resident of Mexico 


SUMMARY: On Sunday, July 24, 2022, at approximately 1:07 p.m., deputies from the Yucaipa Station responded to a report of a male drowing at Jenks Lake in Angelus Oaks. Original reports stated a male victim had been on a makeshift boat which sank in the middle of the lake.  The victim was seen struggling before he went underwater and did not resurface. A witness on scene attempted to swim after the victim but began to struggle and had to be removed from the water. The witness was transported to Bear Valley Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries and later released.

Yucaipa Station deputies, as well as officers from the Department of Fish and Wildlife, were first on scene and began to search for the victim in the water but were unssuccessful in locating him. The conditions of the water were heavy with weeds and grass making it difficult to swim.

The Sheriff's Dive Team responded to the scene via Sheriff's helicopter and continued the search for the victim.  The victim was located by divers at approximately 6:07 p.m. and recovered from the water. The sunken boat was also located and removed. 

Deputies from the Colorado River Station's Boat Accident Investigation Team also responded and assumed the investigation.  It was discovered the victim obtained an old jet ski hull from the shore and attempted to use it as a canoe. When the victim reached the middle of the lake, the boat began to sink and the victim entered the water. The victim began to struggle to stay above the water and eventually went under.

Deputies from the Marine Enforcement Unit reminds the public to utilize and carry coast guard approved life jackets when participating in recreational waterway activities. For more information about boating safety, go to DBW.CA.GOV
 
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Deputy J. Ramirez of the Colorado River Station / Marine Enforcement Unit (760) 326-9200.  Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463), or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com. 

Refer: Deputy J. Ramirez / Deputy E. Blackard

Station: Colorado River Station

Phone No. (760) 326-9200

Case No. 252200077

SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department