DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at approximately 4:51 p.m.
INCIDENT: Drowning
LOCATION: Needles/Colorado River - Coors Island
SUSPECT(S): N/A
VICTIM(S): Patrick Shields, 60-year-old Resident of Bullhead City, AZ
SUMMARY: On Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at approximately 4:51 p.m., the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department responded to a 911 call reporting a possible drowning near Coors Island on the Colorado River in Needles. Deputies from the Colorado River Station and Marine Enforcement Unit arrived on the California side of the river, where the victim was last seen. Witnesses reported the victim had been swimming but disappeared about five minutes prior as he was returning to shore.
Deputies searched approximately 300 yards south along the river and found the victim submerged in about ten feet of water. He was brought to shore and deputies began lifesaving measures. San Bernardino County Fire personnel arrived on scene at approximately 5:17 p.m., and pronounced the victim deceased. No injuries were observed, and the incident appears to be an accidental drowning.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Deputy R. Goff or Deputy A. Perkins of the Colorado River Station/Needles Police Department at (760) 326-9200. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463), or leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.
For press releases, news and information, follow the Colorado River Station on X at: @CORiverStation, Facebook @SBCSDColoradoRiverStation and/or Instagram @SBCSDColoradoRiverStation
Refer: Deputy R. Goff or Deputy A. Perkins
Station: Colorado River Station / Marine Enforcement Unit
Phone No. (760) 326-9200
Case No. 252500030
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
