DATE/TIME: July 25, 2025, at approximately 5:32 p.m.
INCIDENT: Fatal Boat Incident
LOCATION: Colorado River, south of Needles Bridge, Needles, Ca.
SUSPECT(S): Bruce A. Southworth, 43-year-old resident of Yucaipa, Ca.
VICTIM(S): Weston R. Stewart, 38-year-old resident of La Verne, Ca.
SUMMARY: On July 25, 2025, at approximately 5:32 p.m., deputies from the Colorado River Station's Marine Enforcement Unit and the Needles Station were dispatched to a major injury boating incident on the Colorado River, south of the Needles Bridge.
A 22-foot Cheetah deck boat, operated by Bruce Southworth, was traveling downriver when it impacted an 18-foot Sanger vessel that was adrift on the river. Weston Stewart, a male occupant on the Sanger, sustained major injuries as a result of the impact. CPR was initiated by Sheriff's deputies and San Bernardino County Fire personnel.
Stewart was transported to the Colorado River Medical Center and was later pronounced deceased. Alcohol appears to be a factor in this incident. Southworth was arrested at the scene and booked for HN655(F)-Negligent Use of a Watercraft While Intoxicated; Causing Injury. The investigation into this incident is ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Deputy William Poe 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 may leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com
For press releases, news and information, follow the Colorado River Station on Twitter at: @CORiverStation, Facebook @SBCSDColoradoRiverStation and/or Instagram @SBCSDColoradoRiverStation
Refer: Deputy William Poe
Station: Colorado River Station Marine Enforcement Unit
Phone No. (760) 326-9200
Case No. 252500056
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
