DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 24, 2023, 3:30 p.m.
INCIDENT: Drowning
LOCATION: Colorado River, approximately 2.5 miles North of Lake Havasu
VICTIM(S): Robert L. Gardella, 69-year-old Resident of Phelan, CA
SUMMARY: On May 24, 2023, at approximately 3:30 p.m., boating deputies responded to a report of a drowning on the Colorado River, approximately 2.5 miles north of Lake Havasu. According to witness statements, the victim jumped from his anchored vessel to retrieve a fallen fishing pole. The victim began struggling in the water for an unknown reason, went under the water, and never resurfaced.
San Bernardino County Sheriff divers, along with Mohave County Sheriff and Lake Havasu City Police divers, conducted a series of rescue dives and remote operated vehicle (ROV) sonar scans in an attempt to find the victim. A helicopter from the Arizona Department of Public Safety(DPS) was also on scene to conduct aerial searches. Deputies continued their search until sunset, the victim was not located at that time and search operations were stopped until the next morning.
On May 25 2023, search operations continued at approximately 8:00 a.m. At approximately 9:30 a.m., Gardella was located by divers, recovered, and pronounced deceased. Gardella was turned over to the care of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Coroner Division.
This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Deputy Justin Bacon of the Colorado River Station. (760) 326-9200. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to use the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463), or you may leave the information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com
For the latest press releases, news, and information, follow the Colorado River Station on Twitter at @CORiverStation.
Refer: Deputy J. Bacon
Station: Colorado River Station
Phone No. (760) 326-9200
Case No. 252300015
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
